Living Faith: Surrendering to Jesus as Our Life
Summary
In today's conversation, we explored the profound journey of faith and the essence of truly following Jesus. Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how Christianity should not merely be a reference point in our lives but the very context that shapes every aspect of our existence. This shift from simply believing in Jesus to actively following Him is crucial in a culture that often prioritizes individualism and self-improvement over genuine transformation.
We delved into the idea that Jesus is not an additive to our lives, but rather, He is our life. This means that our faith should permeate every decision, every relationship, and every action. It's about surrendering control and allowing Jesus to be the context of our lives, not just a point of reference we turn to in times of trouble. This is a call to live out our faith authentically, allowing it to define us rather than being defined by the shifting sands of culture or politics.
We also discussed the role of the church in society. The church should be a beacon, a representation of the destination at which culture needs to arrive. It should embody kingdom values, demonstrating supernatural love and unity that transcends societal divisions. This prophetic leadership requires clarity and courage, especially in a time when the church is often pressured to align with political agendas.
Furthermore, we addressed the disillusionment among younger generations who feel that the church does not live up to its teachings. This calls for a revival of humility and transparency within the church, acknowledging our imperfections while striving to be genuine in our faith journey. It's about being real and honest, not just with ourselves but with the world, so that we can effectively point others to Jesus.
Ultimately, the charge is to examine who truly is the Lord of our lives. If anything other than Jesus holds that place, we must seek His forgiveness and realign our lives with His Lordship. This personal surrender is essential for the corporate unity and mission of the church, as we collectively seek to be salt and light in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Christianity as Context, Not Reference: Our faith should be the context of our lives, not just a reference point. This means surrendering control to Jesus and allowing Him to transform every aspect of our existence, rather than using Him as an additive for self-improvement. [07:29]
2. The Church as a Beacon: The church should represent the destination at which culture needs to arrive, embodying kingdom values and supernatural love. This requires clarity and courage in leadership, resisting the pressure to align with political agendas. [14:29]
3. Authenticity and Transparency: Younger generations are disillusioned with the church when it fails to live up to its teachings. We must be transparent about our struggles and genuine in our faith journey, avoiding legalism and embracing humility. [32:38]
4. Personal Surrender for Corporate Unity: Individually surrendering to Jesus is essential for the corporate mission of the church. Our personal faith should lead to collective unity and action, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ to the world. [40:19]
5. Revival of Humility and Brokenness: Our self-righteous posturing can be a barrier to reaching the lost. A revival of humility and brokenness is needed within the church to effectively point others to Jesus and fulfill our mission. [36:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:09] - Early Faith Journey
- [02:21] - Co-Founding a Church
- [03:30] - Transition to Senior Pastor
- [05:18] - Reflections on Retirement
- [06:35] - Christianity as Context
- [08:42] - Crisis of Surrender
- [13:44] - Church's Role in Culture
- [16:22] - Prophetic Leadership
- [19:09] - Politics and the Church
- [23:44] - Patriotism vs. Nationalism
- [26:15] - Standing for Jesus
- [30:06] - Personal Faith and Politics
- [31:09] - Disillusionment in Youth
- [35:03] - What Breaks My Heart
- [38:19] - Final Charge and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2. Ephesians 2:19-22 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Galatians 2:20 suggest about the relationship between a believer and Christ? How does this relate to the idea of Christianity being the context of our lives rather than just a reference point? [09:10]
2. In Ephesians 2:19-22, what imagery is used to describe the church, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the church being a beacon for culture? [14:29]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in society, and what biblical basis is given for this role? [13:44]
4. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that the church faces in maintaining its prophetic leadership? [16:05]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 challenge the idea of using Jesus as an additive to our lives? What does it mean for Jesus to be the context of our lives? [07:29]
2. Ephesians 2:19-22 speaks of believers being built together into a dwelling place for God. How does this passage inform our understanding of corporate unity and the church's mission? [37:32]
3. The sermon mentions the disillusionment of younger generations with the church. How does the lack of authenticity and transparency contribute to this issue, and what can be done to address it? [31:09]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal surrender to Jesus and the corporate mission of the church? How does this relate to the idea of being salt and light in the world? [40:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Is Christianity a context or just a reference point for you? What steps can you take to ensure that Jesus is the context of your life? [06:35]
2. How can you contribute to your church being a beacon that represents the destination at which culture needs to arrive? What practical actions can you take to embody kingdom values in your community? [14:29]
3. In what ways can you practice authenticity and transparency in your faith journey to help bridge the gap with younger generations who feel disillusioned with the church? [32:38]
4. Consider the areas of your life where you might be holding onto control. What would it look like to surrender these areas to Jesus, and how might this impact your role in the church's mission? [10:14]
5. How can you actively participate in fostering corporate unity within your church? What sacrifices might be necessary to achieve this unity, and how can you prepare yourself to make them? [41:28]
6. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate humility and brokenness in your interactions with others this week. How can this attitude help point others to Jesus? [36:00]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to examine who truly is the Lord of your life. What changes might you need to make to ensure that Jesus holds this place, and how can you seek His forgiveness and guidance in this process? [39:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Christianity as the Context of Life
Our faith in Jesus should not be an occasional reference but the very context that shapes our entire existence. This means that Jesus is not just an addition to our lives but the foundation upon which everything else is built. In a world that often prioritizes self-improvement and individualism, we are called to surrender control and allow Jesus to permeate every decision, relationship, and action. This shift from simply believing in Jesus to actively following Him is crucial for genuine transformation. By making Jesus the context of our lives, we allow our faith to define us rather than being defined by the ever-changing culture around us. [07:29]
Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself treating Jesus as an addition rather than the foundation? How can you begin to make Him the context of that area today?
Day 2: The Church as a Beacon of Kingdom Values
The church is called to be a beacon, representing the destination at which culture needs to arrive. It should embody kingdom values, demonstrating supernatural love and unity that transcends societal divisions. This requires clarity and courage in leadership, especially in a time when the church is often pressured to align with political agendas. The church's role is to stand firm in its mission, resisting the temptation to conform to the world and instead leading with prophetic vision and integrity. By doing so, the church can effectively point others to the transformative power of Jesus. [14:29]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your church being a beacon of kingdom values in your community? What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate supernatural love and unity?
Day 3: Authenticity and Transparency in Faith
Younger generations often feel disillusioned with the church when it fails to live up to its teachings. This calls for a revival of humility and transparency within the church, acknowledging our imperfections while striving to be genuine in our faith journey. It's about being real and honest, not just with ourselves but with the world, so that we can effectively point others to Jesus. By avoiding legalism and embracing humility, we can create an environment where authenticity thrives, and people feel safe to explore their faith without fear of judgment. [32:38]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice greater authenticity and transparency in your faith journey? Is there someone you trust with whom you can share your struggles and seek prayer and support?
Day 4: Personal Surrender for Corporate Unity
Individually surrendering to Jesus is essential for the corporate mission of the church. Our personal faith should lead to collective unity and action, demonstrating the love and truth of Christ to the world. When we each examine who truly is the Lord of our lives and seek His forgiveness for anything that takes His place, we contribute to the unity and effectiveness of the church's mission. This personal surrender is not just about individual transformation but about coming together as a body to be salt and light in the world. [40:19]
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to Jesus? How can this personal surrender contribute to the unity and mission of your church community?
Day 5: Revival of Humility and Brokenness
Our self-righteous posturing can be a barrier to reaching the lost. A revival of humility and brokenness is needed within the church to effectively point others to Jesus and fulfill our mission. By acknowledging our own need for grace and being open about our imperfections, we can create a more welcoming and authentic environment for those seeking truth. This humility allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, showing them the love and grace of Jesus through our own brokenness and reliance on Him. [36:00]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and brokenness in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that your interactions with others reflect the grace and love of Jesus?
Quotes
"Christianity has become a reference point rather than the context for our lives. So that for many Christians, that Christianity is just a reference point, as opposed to the context for their entire lives." [00:06:28]
"The point of biblical Christianity is that, no, Jesus is not an additive to your life. He doesn't exist to help you, just to manage your money better, or to make better decisions about your family, or these kinds of things. Although, those things are very important. He exists to transform your life." [00:07:27]
"He is your life. Just like we were talking a few moments ago. I mean, you know, your marriage is not just a point of reference. No, that wouldn't work. Well, Jesus is to be our life. And this is part of the reason why we're in such a mess we're in right now." [00:08:00]
"And there's so much confliction and confusion within the church now is because we have not decided or come to that... That's a general statement. Many of us have not come to that crisis moment in our lives. And it is a crisis moment in our lives when we say, 'Okay. I'm all in.'" [00:08:26]
"The church must represent the destination at which culture needs to arrive. And the church, the visible representation of God and the world is to be a portrait of the desired destination at which the culture should arrive." [00:13:47]
"He's given us a taste and a vision of what it really means to live with kingdom values. What it really means to be able to love supernaturally. What it really means to embrace people that are different than we are. And it's that little foretaste of what Heaven is all about." [00:14:38]
"We set the moral direction of the culture. And so, in that sense, we're the portrait of a desired destination, and that's what leadership is all about. Leadership is always prophetic. If you want somebody to believe than you have to hemorrhage." [00:15:39]
"Pastors are pressured from both sides to take political stands that masquerade as standing for Jesus. Church has become a repository for grievances. The issues don't matter, just self-righteous grievances. That whole masquerading I mean, as standing for Jesus, the pastors get this from both sides." [00:25:48]
"And there needs to be a revival of humility and brokenness among us, because our self-righteous posturing is actually serving as a barrier to getting people to Jesus. That breaks my heart. That breaks my heart. And it's almost like we'd rather be right than to humble ourselves and be the gateway to getting people to Jesus." [00:36:00]
"Who really is the Lord of my life? Who is most important in my life? And to answer that question, not just intellectually, but viscerally, who really is in charge of me? And if there's any other answer, in all honesty, than Jesus, then I think we need to slip to our knees and ask God to help us and forgive us." [00:39:21]
"Life is too short, and my life needs to align with the Lordship of Christ. Because it will never happen, corporately, for us. And we will never maximize God's will for us in our communities until it happens individually." [00:40:05]
"And you can't demonstrate corporate unity without the word sacrifice. It's a giving up of your rights so that we can declare who's ultimately right, and that's Jesus." [00:41:06]
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