Living Faithfully in a Modern World: Boundaries and Rest
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker covered a range of topics, all centered around understanding and applying biblical principles in contemporary life. The speaker began by discussing the importance of setting boundaries to avoid temptation, using King David's fall as a cautionary tale. They emphasized the need for rest and balance in life, referencing the Old Testament command to keep the Sabbath. The speaker highlighted that while our culture often glorifies busyness, the Sabbath is a divine practice for rejuvenation, as seen in Jesus' teachings and actions.
The speaker then addressed the challenges of living as a Christian in a "digital Babylon," where screens often replace scripture. They stressed the importance of being prepared to answer questions about one's faith, particularly on complex issues like homosexuality. The speaker affirmed the clarity of scripture on this topic while acknowledging the sensitivity required in such discussions.
A personal story shared by the speaker involved a couple from their congregation who were living together unmarried. The preacher, Rusty Russell, offered to marry them for free as an illustration of embracing healthy boundaries in marriage. This act symbolized the biblical principle of "taking off the old and putting on the new."
The sermon also tackled the question of whether salvation can be lost. The speaker referenced Hebrews 6:4-6 and the entire book of Hebrews to warn against the danger of abandoning one's Christian faith. They concluded that our assurance of eternity is based on faith and repentance, and it is crucial not to drift away from God.
Lastly, the speaker discussed the concept of the Sabbath as a day of rest, not a burden of rules. They addressed the question of whether Christians can drink alcohol, providing a nuanced answer that considers individual circumstances and the potential impact on others. The speaker also encouraged the audience to position themselves to interact with the unchurched and be ready to answer their questions, emphasizing the importance of living as obedient children of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of King David's temptation serves as a powerful reminder that proximity to temptation can lead to sin. It is essential for Christians to set boundaries and remove themselves from situations that may compromise their integrity. This principle is not just about avoiding sin but also about actively pursuing a life that honors God. [15:04]
- The Sabbath is not merely an Old Testament command but a timeless principle that Jesus himself honored. It is a gift from God, intended for rest and rejuvenation. In a world that often values productivity over well-being, Christians are called to remember that true rest is not only beneficial but also holy. [16:55]
- Engaging with the "digital Babylon" of our time requires Christians to be well-versed in scripture and ready to provide answers to those seeking the reason for our hope. This engagement is not just about defending the faith but also about inviting others into a transformative relationship with Christ. [49:32]
- The act of marrying a couple during a sermon as an illustration of biblical teaching on marriage demonstrates the power of living out scriptural truths in practical ways. It shows that the church can be a place where real-life issues are addressed with grace and truth, leading to transformative community support. [12:48]
- The question of whether a Christian can lose their salvation is a deeply theological one, but the speaker emphasizes that the focus should be on maintaining faith and repentance. The Christian journey is marked by a continuous commitment to Christ, and believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith, knowing that God's grace is sufficient. [35:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
2. Hebrews 6:4-6 - "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."
3. Mark 2:27 - "Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 3:15 instruct Christians to be prepared for, and how should they respond? [00:49]
2. According to Hebrews 6:4-6, what is the consequence for those who fall away after having been enlightened? [35:22]
3. In Mark 2:27, what does Jesus say about the purpose of the Sabbath? [16:55]
4. How did the speaker use the story of King David to illustrate the importance of setting boundaries? [14:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to be prepared to give an answer for their hope, and how can they do this with gentleness and respect? [00:49]
2. What does the passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 suggest about the permanence of salvation, and how does this align with the speaker's view on maintaining faith and repentance? [35:22]
3. How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 2:27 about the Sabbath challenge the cultural glorification of busyness? [16:55]
4. What lessons can be drawn from the speaker's story about marrying a couple during a sermon to illustrate biblical teachings on marriage? [12:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were unprepared to answer a question about your faith. How can you better prepare yourself to give an answer with gentleness and respect in the future? [00:49]
2. Have you ever felt like you were drifting away from your faith? What steps can you take to maintain your faith and repentance, as emphasized in Hebrews 6:4-6? [35:22]
3. In what ways can you incorporate the principle of the Sabbath into your weekly routine to ensure you are getting the rest and rejuvenation you need? [16:55]
4. Think about a boundary you need to set in your life to avoid temptation. What practical steps can you take to establish and maintain this boundary? [14:29]
5. How can you engage with the "digital Babylon" of our time in a way that strengthens your faith and helps you invite others into a transformative relationship with Christ? [01:57]
6. If you know someone who is living together before marriage, how can you lovingly and respectfully share the biblical perspective on marriage and offer support for making a change? [12:48]
7. Consider your current habits around alcohol consumption. Are there any changes you need to make to ensure you are not causing others to stumble or becoming dependent on it? [19:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Boundaries Guard Integrity
Setting personal boundaries is crucial to maintaining integrity and honoring God. Like King David, anyone can fall into temptation when boundaries are absent. Establishing clear limits helps to avoid situations that may lead to sin, and it is an active step towards a life that reflects God's holiness and righteousness. [15:04]
Proverbs 4:23-27 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."
Reflection: What boundaries do you need to establish or reinforce in your life to protect your integrity and relationship with God?
Day 2: Embracing Divine Rest
The Sabbath is a divine gift, meant for rest and spiritual rejuvenation. In a culture that often prioritizes busyness, it is essential to remember that rest is not only beneficial but also a holy practice that Jesus himself honored. Observing the Sabbath is about finding balance and restoration in God's presence. [16:55]
Exodus 31:15 - "For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine to honor God and rejuvenate your spirit?
Day 3: Navigating Digital Babylon
In today's digital age, it is vital to be grounded in scripture and prepared to share the hope found in Christ. As screens often dominate our lives, Christians must be equipped to engage with the world and answer questions about their faith with wisdom and grace. [49:32]
1 Peter 3:15-16 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself to discuss your faith with others in a way that is both gentle and respectful?
Day 4: Living Out Scriptural Truths
The act of marrying a couple to illustrate the importance of healthy boundaries in marriage shows the transformative power of applying biblical principles in real life. It is a testament to the church's role in addressing real-life issues with grace and truth, fostering a supportive community. [12:48]
Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can live out scriptural truths in your relationships and community?
Day 5: Persevering in Faith and Repentance
The Christian journey is marked by continuous commitment and the need for perseverance in faith and repentance. The assurance of eternity is based on this steadfastness, and believers are encouraged to remain close to God, relying on His grace. [35:59]
Hebrews 10:36-39 - "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, 'In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.' And, 'But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.' But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively work to strengthen your faith and remain steadfast in your commitment to God?
Quotes
1) "The Bible actually speaks to us judging one another inside the church. It's not about being judgmental in a negative sense, but rather about helping each other stay on the right path, in line with God's word." [25:25]
2) "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Stop making more rules. The Son of Man is the Lord even of the Sabbath, and He invites us to find rest in Him, not in legalistic observances." [17:36]
3) "Position yourself so that they feel comfortable enough asking you these questions and you may not always have the answer—that's okay. But try to gain the knowledge so that you can, because we want more people, more often, to say yes to God." [40:10]
4) "The entire book of Hebrews, at least as I interpret it, is based on the fact that you could potentially lose your salvation. It's a warning to us not to drift away but to hold fast to our faith and repentance." [35:59]
5) "We don't need more time; you don't need more time, you need clearer priorities. If you will learn to rest a little bit, you will be more effective in all areas of your life, including your spiritual walk." [18:12]
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