Living Generously: Reflecting Christ in a Fallen World
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of differentiating oneself from the world as a Christian and bringing glory to God. The pastor uses the example of John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitfield, founders of the Methodist Church, to illustrate the importance of deep doctrinal debates and differences of opinion within the Christian faith. The pastor then focuses on the importance of living a life of generosity and hard work, using the story of the widow and her mites as an example of someone who gave everything they had. The pastor also highlights the significance of using words to build each other up rather than tearing them down.
The pastor then shifts focus to the contrast between the estate of the lost and the estate of the saved, as highlighted in the letter to the Ephesians. The pastor emphasizes that the light of God's church is most noticeable when it is contrasted with the backdrop of unrighteousness. The congregation is encouraged to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving towards one another, just as Christ has forgiven them. The pastor shares a personal anecdote about their father, who hated the church because he saw no difference between the people at church and the people of the world.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of speaking truth and avoiding lies, referencing Colossians 3:8-9, which instructs believers to put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk, and to not lie to one another. The pastor explains that truthful speech is essential for unity within the church and that lying is detrimental to the body of Christ. He warns his congregation, particularly his children, about the seriousness of lying and its consequences. The pastor also addresses the issue of anger, acknowledging that it is a natural emotion but cautioning against allowing anger to lead to sin.
The pastor then discusses the importance of forgiveness and letting go of resentment. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not just about saying the words, but also about truly forgetting the wrongs done to us. The pastor explains that bitterness leads to wrath and rage, which are outbursts of uncontrolled frustration. He also mentions other vices such as anger, shouting, slander, and malice, which are all condemned. The pastor highlights the contrast between the unrighteousness of the world and the righteousness that Christians should strive for.
Finally, the pastor emphasizes the importance of not grieving the Holy Spirit through our speech and actions. He highlights the significance of being sealed by God and having His Spirit as a guarantee of our entrance into the kingdom of God. The pastor explains that when we sin, even with seemingly small lies or half-truths, it grieves the Spirit because what God desires most is our surrender and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The light of God's church is most noticeable when it is contrasted with the backdrop of unrighteousness. Christians are encouraged to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving towards one another, just as Christ has forgiven them ([49:33]).
- Truthful speech is essential for unity within the church and lying is detrimental to the body of Christ. Christians are warned about the seriousness of lying and its consequences, and are cautioned against allowing anger to lead to sin ([52:45]).
- Forgiveness is not just about saying the words, but also about truly forgetting the wrongs done to us. Bitterness leads to wrath and rage, which are outbursts of uncontrolled frustration. Christians are encouraged to let go of resentment and forgive as Christ has forgiven them ([56:12]).
- Christians are urged not to grieve the Holy Spirit through their speech and actions. When we sin, even with seemingly small lies or half-truths, it grieves the Spirit because what God desires most is our surrender and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives ([59:30]).
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of working to give to those in need, as it is one of the pillars of the original church. Christians are encouraged to live a life of generosity and hard work, using their gifts to serve others and glorify God ([1:02:15]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
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1. Ephesians 4:17-19: "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed."
2. Ephesians 4:25-32: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
3. Exodus 20:15: "You shall not steal."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the characteristics of the Gentiles as described in Ephesians 4:17-19?
2. What are the instructions given in Ephesians 4:25-32 regarding anger, falsehood, and unwholesome talk?
3. What is the command given in Exodus 20:15?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 4:17-19 differentiate between the life of a Christian and that of a non-believer?
2. What does Ephesians 4:25-32 suggest about the importance of truthful speech and controlling anger within the Christian community?
3. How does the commandment in Exodus 20:15 relate to the idea of working and sharing with those in need as mentioned in Ephesians 4:28?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent situation where you could have spoken truthfully but chose not to? How could you handle it differently next time?
2. Think of a person who recently angered you. How can you apply the teachings of Ephesians 4:26 to resolve your anger towards this person?
3. What is one practical way you can work with your own hands to share with those in need this week, as suggested in Ephesians 4:28?
4. Can you think of a recent conversation where your words were not wholesome or beneficial? How can you ensure your words build others up in your next conversation?
5. How can you ensure that your actions and speech do not grieve the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:30, in your daily life?
Devotional
Day 1: The Contrast of Light and Darkness
As Christians, we are called to be a beacon of light in a world filled with unrighteousness. The light of God's church is most noticeable when it is contrasted with the backdrop of unrighteousness. We are encouraged to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving towards one another, just as Christ has forgiven us ([49:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9ku1egICA&t=2958s)).
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you be a beacon of light in your community today?
Day 2: The Power of Truthful Speech
Truthful speech is essential for unity within the church and lying is detrimental to the body of Christ. We are warned about the seriousness of lying and its consequences, and are cautioned against allowing anger to lead to sin ([52:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9ku1egICA&t=3150s)).
Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."
Reflection: How can you practice truthful speech in your interactions today?
Day 3: The Freedom in Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not just about saying the words, but also about truly forgetting the wrongs done to us. Bitterness leads to wrath and rage, which are outbursts of uncontrolled frustration. We are encouraged to let go of resentment and forgive as Christ has forgiven us ([56:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9ku1egICA&t=3357s)).
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive today and how can you take steps towards doing so?
Day 4: The Grieving of the Holy Spirit
We are urged not to grieve the Holy Spirit through our speech and actions. When we sin, even with seemingly small lies or half-truths, it grieves the Spirit because what God desires most is our surrender and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives ([59:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9ku1egICA&t=3555s)).
Ephesians 4:30 - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Reflection: How can you surrender more of your life to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 5: The Call to Generosity and Hard Work
We are encouraged to live a life of generosity and hard work, using our gifts to serve others and glorify God ([1:02:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9ku1egICA&t=3720s)).
2 Corinthians 9:6 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
Reflection: How can you use your gifts to serve others and glorify God today?
Quotes
"Paul is not comparing the life of a Christian to the life of a non-Christian, he is contrasting it. He wants us to understand that there is a backdrop to which we should differentiate ourselves, how we view ourselves, how we hold ourselves, and how our lives are to be lived as people who proclaim the person of Jesus Christ." [02:32]
"Just as John Wesley and George Whitfield fiercely debated each other on deep doctrinal issues, they still founded a church together. Despite their differences, they were able to come together and make a significant impact. This serves as a reminder that unity and collaboration can be powerful even amidst disagreements." [04:04]
"The reason is that the Christian belongs to and must function honestly in a group, the church. Truthful speech is essential to the unity in the body." [12:59]
"A lie is a stab into the very vitals of the body of Christ. To lie to a brother and sister is as if you might as well just stab them right in the heart." [14:04]
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." [09:22]
"If the words 'I'm sorry, will you forgive me' come out of your mouth, your next prayer should be, 'Lord, will you help me to forget this so that I can move on in a harmonious relationship.'" [49:33]
"The glory of God's light is most beautiful when seen in its contrast to the darkness of the world. So it is with his church. There's something that's so appealing, something that is so winsome to those outside of the church when they see a person simply be kind." [37:09]
"My father lived his entire life til he passed away a year ago hating the church because he saw no difference between the people at church and the people of the world. Be the light, be kind to one another, be tender-hearted with one another, and when you get angry, forgive as Christ has forgiven you." [38:20]
"Your little white lie, your half truth, it grieves the Spirit of God because what he most desires for you is your surrender to let the Holy Spirit be in charge of your life." [29:55]
"Paul did not mention other benefits of work here, such as providing for one's own needs and doing something useful. He emphasized the most noble of motives for our labor, that we would use it as a means to give to the needy." [21:56]
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