Living in God's Love: Embracing Our Spiritual Non-Negotiables

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound truth that God is a good, good Father, whose love for us is unfailing and unconditional. We are reminded of the incredible privilege it is to be invited into His presence, a place where we can be transformed by His Word and Spirit. As we continue our series, "I Must," we focus on the spiritual non-negotiables that define our walk with Christ. These are not mere opinions but truths rooted in the Word of God, which is both His will and His best for our lives.

We explored the importance of understanding God's Word in its proper context, recognizing that it is the foundation for discerning His will. God's Word is a guide, a boundary that, when followed, leads to His blessings. Stepping outside these boundaries may seem right to us, but it leads to spiritual death. Therefore, we are called to live within the guardrails of His Word, where true life and blessing are found.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, urging them to hold fast to their spiritual non-negotiables. He reminds them that they are new creations with a new worldview, called to live for the glory of God. This transformation is not just for personal benefit but for the sake of those who do not yet know Christ. We are entrusted with the treasure of the Gospel, a message of hope and redemption that has the power to change lives and destinies.

Paul emphasizes the urgency of our mission, knowing that eternity hangs in the balance for those we love. We are called to be relentless in sharing the Gospel, understanding that our lives are a testimony to God's grace. As we live to please Him, we are reminded that one day we will stand before Christ to give an account of how we lived out our faith. This is not about earning salvation but about living in response to the salvation we have received.

Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior, emphasizing that salvation is found in Him alone. It is a call to respond in faith, to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Word as Our Guide: God's Word is not just a set of rules but a guide to His will and best for our lives. Living within its boundaries brings blessings, while stepping outside leads to spiritual death. We must understand and apply His Word in our lives. [39:09]

2. The Urgency of the Gospel: We possess the treasure of the Gospel, a message that can change lives and destinies. We must be relentless in sharing it, knowing that eternity hangs in the balance for those we love. [49:39]

3. Living for God's Glory: As new creations, we are called to live for the glory of God, reflecting His grace and truth in our lives. Our transformation is not just for us but for the sake of those who do not yet know Christ. [42:46]

4. Accountability Before Christ: One day, we will stand before Christ to give an account of how we lived out our faith. This is not about earning salvation but about living in response to the salvation we have received. [54:32]

5. Invitation to Salvation: Salvation is found in Christ alone. It is a call to respond in faith, to trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. This decision is life-changing and eternal. [01:06:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [36:54] - Celebrating Baptisms
- [39:09] - God's Word: Our Guide
- [40:15] - Homework: 2 Corinthians 4 & 5
- [42:46] - Spiritual Non-Negotiables
- [47:40] - The Urgency of the Gospel
- [49:39] - Treasure of the Gospel
- [50:34] - Eternity Hangs in the Balance
- [53:50] - Evangelism and God's Glory
- [54:32] - Accountability Before Christ
- [01:01:47] - Living to Please God
- [01:03:08] - Spiritual Non-Negotiables Recap
- [01:05:17] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:06:22] - Responding to Christ
- [01:09:08] - Closing and Announcements

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
- Romans 1:16

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to the Gospel as a "treasure" in 2 Corinthians 4:7? How does this relate to our responsibility as believers? [49:39]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul talks about our earthly bodies as "tents." What does this metaphor suggest about our current life and our future hope? [54:32]
3. According to the sermon, what are the spiritual non-negotiables that Paul emphasizes to the Corinthians? [42:46]
4. How does Paul describe the urgency of sharing the Gospel in 2 Corinthians 4:1-7? What reasons does he give for this urgency? [47:40]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's Word in its proper context help us discern His will for our lives? Why is this important for living within the boundaries of His Word? [39:09]
2. What does it mean to live for the glory of God as new creations, according to 2 Corinthians 5:9? How does this impact our daily decisions and actions? [54:32]
3. How does the concept of accountability before Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:10, influence the way we live out our faith? [54:32]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our transformation is not just for personal benefit but for the sake of others who do not yet know Christ? [42:46]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you stepped outside the boundaries of God's Word. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back? [39:09]
2. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to share the Gospel with them, considering the urgency Paul describes? [49:39]
3. How can you ensure that your life consistently reflects God's glory, especially in challenging situations? What changes might you need to make? [42:46]
4. Consider the idea of standing before Christ to give an account of your life. What areas of your faith journey do you feel confident about, and where do you see room for growth? [54:32]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God's Word to better discern His will for your life? What resources or practices could assist you in this pursuit? [39:09]
6. Think about a recent decision you made. How did your faith influence that decision, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with living for God's glory? [54:32]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that the Gospel is not your "best kept secret"? How can you be more intentional in sharing your faith story with others? [49:39]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Word as Our Life's Blueprint
God's Word is not merely a set of rules but a divine blueprint for our lives. It serves as a guide to understanding His will and experiencing His best for us. Living within the boundaries of His Word brings blessings, while stepping outside leads to spiritual death. This is not about restriction but about protection and provision. Understanding and applying His Word in our lives is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment. As we delve into Scripture, we are invited to see it as a living document that speaks to our current circumstances and guides us toward a life of purpose and peace. [39:09]

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs to be realigned with the teachings of God's Word today? How can you take a step toward that realignment?

Day 2: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
The Gospel is a treasure that has the power to change lives and destinies. We are entrusted with this message of hope and redemption, and there is an urgency in sharing it with those we love. Eternity hangs in the balance for many, and our mission is to be relentless in spreading the Good News. This is not just a task but a calling that requires passion and commitment. As we share the Gospel, we are participating in God's redemptive work in the world, offering others the opportunity to experience His love and grace. [49:39]

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the Gospel? What practical step can you take this week to share it with them?

Day 3: Living as New Creations for God's Glory
As new creations in Christ, we are called to live for the glory of God, reflecting His grace and truth in our lives. This transformation is not just for our benefit but for the sake of those who do not yet know Christ. Our lives are a testimony to God's grace, and we are called to live in a way that draws others to Him. This means embracing our new identity and allowing it to shape our actions, decisions, and relationships. Living for God's glory is about aligning our lives with His purposes and being a light in a world that desperately needs hope. [42:46]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ today? How can this impact your interactions with others?

Day 4: Accountability Before Christ
One day, we will stand before Christ to give an account of how we lived out our faith. This is not about earning salvation but about living in response to the salvation we have received. Our lives are a reflection of our relationship with God, and we are called to live in a way that honors Him. This accountability is a reminder of the importance of living intentionally and purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. It is an invitation to examine our lives and make choices that align with God's will and bring Him glory. [54:32]

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be more intentional in living out your faith? How can you take a step toward greater accountability today?

Day 5: Invitation to Salvation
Salvation is found in Christ alone, and it is a call to respond in faith, trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. This decision is life-changing and eternal, offering us a new beginning and a hope that transcends our circumstances. It is an invitation to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, to be transformed by His Spirit, and to live a life that reflects His glory. For those who have not yet accepted Christ, this is an opportunity to take a step of faith and begin a journey of transformation and renewal. [01:06:22]

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: If you have not yet accepted Christ as your Savior, what is holding you back from making this life-changing decision today? If you have, how can you share this invitation with someone who needs to hear it?

Quotes

"We know that God's word is truth. Amen? Amen? Good to have you. Welcome to Granite United Church. I'm Pastor Ed. If it's God's word, it's God's will. Listen, I'm going to help you with something today. If you're wrestling with what God's will for your life is, it's really not that complicated. Open up the Bible. And because you need to know what does the Bible say. You need to understand what the Bible says in proper context." [00:38:30] (27 seconds)

"God's word, God's will, God's will, God's best. And here's the thing about God's best. God's best brings God's blessing. Now, we can choose to run outside of the boundaries of God's word because God allows us a freedom of choice and free will. But know this, when we run outside of God's boundaries or the guardrails known as God's word, there's a way that seems right unto a man, but at the end, there are other ways of death. Things start dying." [00:39:28] (27 seconds)

"Whether therefore you eat or drink or whatever, somebody say whatever, whatever you do, here's what the Holy Spirit says, first nine chapters, in case you're missing it, whatever you do, you're supposed to be doing to the glory of God, you're not who you used to be, you are a new creation, you have a new worldview, you don't have a secular worldview, you have a biblical worldview, because once you were lost, now you're found, you were blind, now you see, and your life has been radically redeemed and restored by the amazing grace of God." [00:42:51] (40 seconds)

"Because I know people perish, because I know I stored something inside of me, that people need the gospel, hope, redemption, like I'm a hope dealer, because I know people perish, because I know I stored something inside of me, because I know eternity hangs in the balance. Then he comes to verse 13 and he says, but we what? We continue to preach. In other words, we don't shut up. Yeah." [00:50:47] (25 seconds)

"We keep on keeping on giving what we got because we know it's not ours to begin with. It's the grace of God. Amen? But nobody says. We continue to preach. We will not be silent because we have the same kind of faith. psalmist had when he said don't miss this i believed this isn't mental assent this was surrender he says i believed god and what was the response i know what's inside of me can change your life because he changed my life i know hope has a name and his name is jesus and i need to let you know so i'm not going to shut up i'm going to speak the truth but we will speak the truth in love amen but because i believe this and the reason i believe it was because of her he forever changed my life so i will not be silent my spiritual my spiritual non -negotiable my i must is i've got to make sure you know what i know because i know the old way verse one but he is the way the truth and the life come on church amen are you with me" [00:51:17] (95 seconds)

"Because we know what we know. And Paul's like, here's the deal. We're all going to stand before God. So let's live to please him. Let's do the things that please him. So when we stand before him, we can receive all he has for us. Because he goes on the right, says there are going to be some people stand before God, they're going to lose their reward." [01:02:32] (19 seconds)

"The Bible says that I have now, I know what Jesus did, but now the Bible calls me to respond to what Christ has done. What do you mean? That by faith, I got to go beyond what he did and I got to respond by faith and ask him to be my savior, to forgive me of my sins and to come into my life. Amen." [01:05:37] (30 seconds)

"Because the Bible says there is no other name given among mankind whereby a person can be forgiven and saved. It is only, somebody say only, through the name of Jesus. And John 1 .12 says, but to all who believe him and accept him, he gives the right, what? To become the children of God." [01:06:22] (30 seconds)

"You have to become a child of God. The facts don't change your life. You got to believe the facts, but you got to accept him into your life. And if you've never done that, I want to give you the opportunity to do that now. Know this, what you just heard is life is" [01:06:52] (19 seconds)