Living in Love: Noticing and Transforming Lives
Summary
Over the past several weeks, we have been equipped to walk in victory, authority, prosperity, peace, the ministry of Jesus, and the prophetic. Each of these is not just a concept to be admired, but a call to action—a way of living that reflects the heart and character of Jesus. At the core of all these is love: loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This is the foundation upon which everything else stands. Without love, our actions lose their meaning and power. The Spirit of God within us compels us to notice, care for, and reach out to those around us, especially those who are overlooked or hurting.
We live in a world where it is easy to become distracted and disengaged, our heads down, missing the people God places in our path. The story of Peter and John at the temple gate reminds us of the importance of seeing those whom others ignore. Peter noticed the lame man, engaged him, and through the power of Jesus, brought healing and transformation. In the same way, we are called to notice the “invisible” people in our lives, to be attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and to act in love and obedience.
I shared a personal story about a friend named Keith, whose life took a difficult turn. Years later, through a series of seemingly ordinary encounters, God orchestrated healing and salvation not only for Keith but for his entire family. This was possible because someone noticed him, spent time with him, and shared the love of Christ. Often, we do not see the full impact of our obedience, but God is always at work in the hidden details, using our small acts of faithfulness to bring about transformation.
We are in a spiritual battle, and our role is to set the captives free, to be attractive witnesses of Christ’s love, and to live lives that draw others to Him. This requires intentionality—being present, listening to the Spirit, and acting when prompted. Every believer is called to this ministry, not just a select few. The seeds we plant, even if we do not see immediate fruit, are never wasted. God waters them in His perfect timing.
Let us be challenged to notice those around us, to pray for them, and to step out in faith. Our lives are meant to reflect the image of God, to be vessels of His love and grace, and to participate in His mission of redemption and restoration.
Key Takeaways
- Love is the foundation of all Christian living. Every act of ministry, every step of authority or victory, must be rooted in loving God fully and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Without this, our actions become empty, but with it, we reflect the very nature of Christ to the world. [57:58]
- The enemy seeks to disable and disqualify us by reminding us of past failures and shame, but Christ calls us to abundant life. Taking every thought captive and refusing to be defined by old guilt is essential for walking in freedom and effectiveness. Our identity is found in Christ, not in our past. [01:00:45]
- Noticing people is a spiritual discipline. In a distracted world, it is easy to overlook those who are hurting or in need. The Holy Spirit prompts us to see and engage with those whom others ignore, and our willingness to notice and respond can be the catalyst for someone’s healing and salvation. [01:08:34]
- God works in hidden and unexpected ways through our obedience. The story of Keith shows that even small acts of faithfulness—sharing a coffee, offering a prayer, being present—can have generational impact. We may not always see the results, but God orchestrates every detail for His glory and the good of others. [01:16:52]
- We are called to be attractive witnesses, bearing the image of God in our daily lives. This means living in such a way that others are drawn to the love, peace, and joy of Christ within us. Our lives should provoke curiosity and desire in others to know the source of what they see in us, leading them to encounter Jesus for themselves. [01:23:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[53:55] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[56:52] - The Five-Fold Ministry and Equipping the Saints
[57:58] - The Greatest Commandment: Love
[58:53] - Walking in Victory and Authority
[59:50] - The Reality of Spiritual Opposition
[01:01:29] - Equipping for Ministry and Breaking Stereotypes
[01:03:08] - What Does Walking with Jesus Look Like?
[01:03:38] - The Armour of God and Acts 3:1-8
[01:08:34] - The Power of Noticing People
[01:11:51] - Keith’s Story: Divine Encounters
[01:16:52] - Generational Impact and God’s Orchestration
[01:18:06] - The Call to Minister and Set Captives Free
[01:19:56] - Render to God What Is God’s: Bearing His Image
[01:23:00] - Becoming an Attractive Witness
[01:24:29] - Everyday Obedience and Prayer
[01:25:39] - The Battle Plan: Setting Captives Free
[01:30:54] - Closing and Prayer Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
> And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
- John 10:10 (ESV)
> The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
- Acts 3:1-8 (ESV)
> Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 22:37-39, what two commandments does Jesus say are the greatest?
2. In Acts 3:1-8, what did Peter and John do that was different from everyone else passing by the lame man?
3. What does Jesus say is the purpose of his coming in John 10:10, and how does that contrast with the enemy’s purpose?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of Peter telling the lame man, “Look at us”? [[01:03:38]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus connect loving God and loving our neighbor as the foundation for all other commandments? How does this shape the way Christians are meant to live? [[57:58]]
2. The sermon talks about the enemy reminding us of past failures and shame. Why is it important for believers to “take every thought captive” and not be defined by their past? [[01:00:45]]
3. What does it mean that “noticing people is a spiritual discipline”? How might this look in everyday life, especially in a world full of distractions? [[01:08:34]]
4. The story of Keith shows God working in hidden ways through small acts of faithfulness. Why do you think God often works in ways we can’t immediately see? [[01:16:52]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to notice people who are often overlooked. Can you think of someone in your life right now who might feel invisible or ignored? What is one practical step you could take this week to reach out to them? [[01:08:34]]
2. The enemy tries to disable and disqualify us by reminding us of our past. Are there specific memories or regrets that still hold you back? What would it look like to give those to Jesus and walk in the freedom he offers? [[01:00:45]]
3. Peter and John were attentive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting when they noticed the lame man. How can you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s nudges in your daily routine? Is there a time recently when you felt prompted to act but didn’t? What could you do differently next time? [[01:03:38]]
4. The story of Keith shows that small acts—like sharing a coffee or a prayer—can have a generational impact. What is one “small” act of faithfulness you can commit to this week, trusting God with the results? [[01:16:52]]
5. The sermon says we are called to be “attractive witnesses” who draw others to Christ. What do you think makes a Christian life attractive to others? Is there an area of your life where you want to better reflect the love, peace, or joy of Jesus? [[01:23:00]]
6. The pastor mentioned praying for someone when their name came to mind, even in the middle of the night. Has this ever happened to you? How can you make prayer for others a more regular part of your life? [[01:24:29]]
7. We may not always see the fruit of our obedience right away. How do you stay encouraged to keep loving and serving others, even when you don’t see immediate results? [[01:16:52]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Love God and Love Your Neighbor
The foundation of the Christian life is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This love is not just a feeling but an active, daily choice that shapes every action and interaction. It is the essence of Jesus’ character and the root of all true ministry. When you walk in victory, authority, peace, or any other aspect of the Christian life, it is love that must undergird it all. Let your life be marked by a love that reaches out, notices others, and reflects the heart of Christ in every circumstance. [57:58]
Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show Christ’s love to today, perhaps someone you usually overlook or avoid?
Day 2: Jesus Gives Abundant Life, Not Condemnation
There is a real enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, often by reminding you of past failures and trying to disqualify you from God’s purposes. But Jesus came to give you life—abundant, overflowing, and free from condemnation. Even when old memories or shame resurface, you are called to take those thoughts captive and remember that your identity and future are secure in Christ. Embrace the abundant life Jesus offers, refusing to let guilt or the enemy’s accusations hold you back from your calling. [01:00:45]
John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel held back by guilt or shame, and how can you invite Jesus’ abundant life into that place today?
Day 3: Notice the Unseen and Set the Captives Free
God calls you to notice those around you who feel invisible or overlooked. Like Peter and John, who saw the lame man at the temple gate, you are called to look up from your own concerns and see the people God places in your path. The Holy Spirit will often nudge you to reach out, offer a word, or simply be present for someone in need. Your willingness to notice and respond can be the very thing God uses to bring freedom, healing, and salvation to others. [01:08:34]
Acts 3:1-8 (ESV)
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Reflection: Who is someone in your daily routine that you tend to overlook, and how can you intentionally notice and reach out to them this week?
Day 4: Live as an Attractive Witness for Christ
You bear the image of God, and your life is meant to reflect His love and righteousness to the world. Jesus’ teaching about rendering to Caesar and to God reminds you that your true identity and value come from being made in God’s image. When you live as an attractive witness—marked by love, integrity, and the presence of Christ—others are drawn to what they see in you. Your life can inspire curiosity and longing in others for the hope and joy you have in Jesus. [01:23:00]
Matthew 22:15-22 (ESV)
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can let the image of Christ shine through your actions or words today, especially in a setting where your faith is not usually visible?
Day 5: Respond to the Holy Spirit’s Promptings
Every believer is called to listen for and act upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit, whether it’s to pray for someone, share a word of encouragement, or simply be present. Sometimes the Spirit will bring someone to mind at an unexpected moment, and your obedience in that moment can have a profound impact—even if you never see the results. Trust that no act of faithfulness is wasted, and that God is working through you to set captives free and bring His love to those who need it most. [01:24:29]
Romans 8:14 (ESV)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Reflection: When was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to reach out to someone? How can you be more attentive and responsive to His leading this week?
Quotes
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