Living for God's Glory: The Church's Mission
Summary
The sermon begins with a prayer of thanksgiving, acknowledging that salvation is solely from God and to His glory. The speaker introduces the main topic, which is the purpose and identity of the church, and announces a six-week exploration of the church's role in God's kingdom. The speaker references a recent trip to South Asia and invites the congregation to a related event. The sermon draws from Isaiah 42:1-9, emphasizing the church's call to be a light to the nations and to bring freedom to those in darkness, affirming the goodness of God's Word.
The speaker then delves into the purpose of the church and the responsibilities of its members, stating that the church is the bride of Christ, called to sacrificially love and make disciples. The church's existence is to love God and neighbors, aiming to glorify God and multiply Christ-exalting disciples. The sermon ends with a prayer for the church to live out this mission and a call to follow Jesus.
The future atonement for sins is discussed, with the speaker emphasizing that God's plan for Jesus to save humanity from sin was known even as He created us. The speaker warns against seeking personal glory over God's and stresses the importance of glorifying God in all life aspects. The mission of multiplying Christ-exalting disciples is underscored, along with the importance of evangelism and sharing the gospel.
The urgency of evangelism is highlighted, with references to missionaries in dangerous areas and the high percentage of unsaved individuals in the local community. The significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith is explained, noting that it is not a requirement for salvation but an important step for believers. The sermon also discusses the great commandment to love God and neighbors, using the Good Samaritan as an example of the sacrificial nature of this love, and concludes with a call to action and service.
Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for God's glory, referencing Isaiah 42:8 and the concept of "big God theology." The sermon discusses the five solas, particularly soli deo gloria, cautioning against attributing God's glory to anything other than Him. The sermon concludes with the promise from Isaiah 42:6-7 that God will guide and keep His people.
Key Takeaways:
- The church's identity is deeply rooted in being a light to the nations, tasked with the mission to bring justice, freedom, and salvation to those in darkness. This identity is not just a passive state but a call to active engagement in the world, reflecting the servanthood of Christ and the transformative power of the gospel. [06:38]
- Discipleship is central to the church's purpose, where members are not merely attendees but active participants in a mission to love God, love neighbors, and make disciples. This mission is a reflection of the church's commitment to Christ's command and the pursuit of God's glory above all else. [39:51]
- God's foreknowledge of humanity's sin and His plan for atonement through Jesus Christ demonstrate His sovereign glory and the depth of His love for creation. This understanding calls believers to a life that seeks to glorify God rather than pursuing personal glory, which is fleeting and insignificant in comparison to the eternal glory of God. [21:35]
- Evangelism is an urgent and serious task, as highlighted by the sacrifices of missionaries and the prevalence of unsaved individuals in local communities. The act of sharing the gospel is not just a responsibility but a privilege that stems from the transformative experience of salvation and the desire to see others come to know Christ. [28:06]
- The concept of "big God theology" and the principle of soli deo gloria remind believers that all aspects of life are to be lived for the glory of God alone. This perspective shapes how Christians view their purpose, resources, and actions, ensuring that God's glory is the ultimate end of all endeavors. [15:54]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 42:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 42:1-9 say about the servant's role and mission? How is this related to the church's mission? [03:17]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the church being described as the "bride of Christ"? [05:50]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of "big God theology" and its importance for believers? [09:16]
4. What examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the urgency of evangelism? [26:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Isaiah 42:1-9 shape our understanding of the church's mission to be a light to the nations? [03:17]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church should reflect the servanthood of Christ? [05:50]
3. How does the concept of "big God theology" influence a believer's daily life and decisions? [09:16]
4. What are the practical implications of the sermon’s emphasis on the urgency of evangelism for individual believers? [26:47]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasizes the church's mission to be a light to the nations. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your daily life? [03:17]
2. Reflecting on the church as the bride of Christ, what are some specific ways you can show sacrificial love to others in your community? [05:50]
3. Considering the concept of "big God theology," what are some areas in your life where you might be seeking personal glory instead of glorifying God? How can you change this? [09:16]
4. The sermon highlights the urgency of evangelism. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [26:47]
5. Baptism was discussed as a public declaration of faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you support others in taking this step? [29:51]
6. The sermon calls for loving God and neighbors as part of the great commandment. Think of a specific neighbor or community member you can serve this week. What will you do? [31:43]
7. Reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan. Is there someone in your life who needs your help and love, even if it requires a sacrifice? How will you respond to their need? [35:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Light to the Nations in Deed
The church is called to be a beacon of hope, justice, and salvation, actively engaging in the world to reflect Christ's servanthood and the gospel's transformative power. This mission is not passive but requires intentional action to illuminate the darkness that surrounds many. [06:38]
Isaiah 49:6 - "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the church's mission of being a light to the nations this week?
Day 2: Discipleship as Active Participation
Believers are called to be more than attendees; they are to be active participants in loving God, loving neighbors, and making disciples. This reflects a commitment to Christ's command and the pursuit of God's glory, which is the ultimate goal of the church. [39:51]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in discipleship within your community this week?
Day 3: Glorifying God Above All
God's foreknowledge and plan for atonement through Jesus Christ reveal His sovereign glory and deep love for creation. Believers are called to live lives that glorify God, not seeking personal glory but directing all honor to the Creator. [21:35]
1 Peter 4:11 - "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you shift your focus from seeking personal glory to glorifying God?
Day 4: The Urgency of Evangelism
The task of evangelism is urgent and serious, with the sacrifices of missionaries and the presence of unsaved individuals in our communities highlighting the need for sharing the gospel. This responsibility is a privilege that comes from experiencing salvation and the desire to see others know Christ. [28:06]
Colossians 4:5-6 - "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life with whom you can share the gospel this week, and how will you approach this conversation?
Day 5: Living for God's Glory Alone
The principle of soli deo gloria and "big God theology" remind us that every aspect of life should be lived for God's glory. This perspective shapes our purpose, resources, and actions, ensuring that we honor God in all we do. [15:54]
1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Reflection: What is one practical change you can make in your daily routine to ensure that you are living for God's glory?
Quotes
"The church exists to make disciples. So if you're going to be here, be prepared to get to work." [37:09] (Download)
"We exist for the glory of God to multiply Christ exalting disciples in obedience to the great commandment. Church, that's it. That's who we are." [39:51] (Download)
"Help us as Napa Valley Life Church truly exist to give all glory to you. We have and love our neighbors as ourselves. Lord, that's what we're called to do." [39:51] (Download)
"Because if you're not, you're in disobedience. If you're not, do you truly believe that Jesus is the only salvation? Because if you were, there would be an urgency behind you." [28:06] (Download)
"That we're called to love everyone as ourself, knowing that this will require sacrifice. We cannot just talk about loving our neighbor. We must do it." [34:52] (Download)
"Lord, as we continue to worship through the preaching of your word, we ask you, Lord, to inspire us, to convict us, to make us feel uncomfortable, but ultimately to change us." [02:04] (Download)
"The Word of the Lord is good. Thanks be to God. You may be seated. He is good." [06:38] (Download)
"A matter of fact, before time began, God knew his creation was going to sin against him and he would have to send his son to die on the cross for us and to defeat death three days later." [18:04] (Download)
"We exist for the glory of God. But for us, it's so easy to fall back into the temptation, that this is for our glory and not his. That our lives are for our glory and not his. That his church is for our glory and not his." [21:35] (Download)
"Our hope is not in possessions, our hope is not in what we can accumulate or achieve, but in being re-approached to the glory of God, that he creates the heavens and stretched them out." [15:54] (Download)
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