Living in the World: Unity, Culture, and Holiness
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! It's great to see you all here, especially if you're visiting for the first time. During the summer, we have what we call "Summer Sundays," where we get a bit more casual. We encourage you to enjoy God's creation but remind you to keep God at the center of it all. It's easy to get caught up in the blessings and forget the Blesser. So, come to church even if you're planning to head to the lake afterward. We love you no matter what, even if you come straight from the lake smelling like the outdoors. Just remember, community is important, and we need each other.
We are citizens of heaven, but we are also here on Earth. Being in the world is not inherently bad; it's being of the world that is problematic. God created this world for our enjoyment, but we must not let it rule our lives. The world was created good, but sin corrupted it. We need to focus on redeeming what has been corrupted. Music, for example, is neither good nor bad; it's a tool that can be used for either. The same goes for other aspects of life like dancing and even sex within the bounds of marriage. These are all things that the world has tried to corrupt, but we can redeem them for God's glory.
Jesus made it clear that we are to be in the world but not of it. He prayed for His disciples and for us, that we would be protected from the evil one and be made holy by God's truth. We are sent into the world to share our faith and live out the love of Jesus. Community nights are a great way to build relationships and bring others into the fold, even if they come just to play cornhole. It's about living out Jesus in everything we do.
Unity is crucial. Jesus prayed for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is a testimony to the world that Jesus is indeed God's Son. Division and disunity are harmful, especially to new believers. We must strive to be in unity with each other and with the Lord. This unity is a sign to the world that Jesus was sent by God to save us all.
We also need to consider the culture of our lives. What is the culture of your world? What do you do, and what do you allow to be done around you? If you don't like the culture you're living in, you have the power to change it. It's called a culture shift. If you don't like the crop your life is producing, plant different seeds. This series will help you take control of your life and define the culture you want to live in.
Finally, we must decide whether we will live for Jesus or for ourselves. Jesus is not just there to make us happy; He wants us to be holy. Are you living for Him or for yourself? This is a decision we all need to make. Jesus paid the price for our sins, and by accepting Him, we can have eternal life. Let's pray together and commit our lives to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Enjoy God's Creation, But Keep Him at the Center: It's easy to get caught up in the blessings of life and forget the One who provides them. Whether it's a new house or a day at the lake, remember to keep God at the center of it all. Enjoy His creation, but don't let it distract you from Him. [57:26]
2. Being in the World vs. Being of the World: God created the world for our enjoyment, but sin has corrupted it. We are designed to be in the world but not of it. This means enjoying what God has given us without letting it rule our lives. We must focus on redeeming what has been corrupted by sin. [01:10:16]
3. Unity as a Testimony: Jesus prayed for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world that Jesus is indeed God's Son. Division and disunity harm the body of Christ, especially new believers. Strive for unity with each other and with the Lord. [01:18:55]
4. Defining the Culture of Your Life: The culture of your life is defined by what you do and what you allow to be done. If you don't like the culture you're living in, you have the power to change it. This series will help you take control of your life and define the culture you want to live in. [01:29:04]
5. Living for Jesus or Yourself: The decision to live for Jesus or for yourself is crucial. Jesus is not just there to make us happy; He wants us to be holy. By accepting Him and committing our lives to Him, we can have eternal life. This is a decision we all need to make. [01:32:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:16] - Baptisms
[33:45] - Summer Sundays Theme
[57:26] - Enjoying God's Creation
[59:33] - Taking Control of Your Life
[01:06:51] - Defining Culture
[01:10:16] - Being in the World, Not of It
[01:18:55] - Unity as a Testimony
[01:29:04] - Culture of Your Life
[01:32:10] - Living for Jesus or Yourself
[01:39:26] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 17:12-23 (NIV)
> "While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
2. Genesis 1:31 (NIV)
> "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."
3. Genesis 6:11 (NIV)
> "Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 17:12-23, what does Jesus pray for concerning His disciples and future believers? How does He describe their relationship with the world? [01:07:26]
2. In Genesis 1:31, how does God describe His creation? What does this imply about the original state of the world?
3. What change is described in Genesis 6:11, and how does this contrast with the initial state of creation in Genesis 1:31?
4. What examples did the pastor give of things that can be redeemed for God's glory, despite their corruption by the world? [01:12:11]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world" as described in John 17:12-23? How can this principle be applied in daily life? [01:09:36]
2. How does the concept of redeeming corrupted aspects of the world (e.g., music, dancing, sex) align with the idea that God's creation was originally "very good"? [01:12:11]
3. Why is unity among believers so crucial according to Jesus' prayer in John 17:20-23? How does this unity serve as a testimony to the world? [01:18:55]
4. How can the culture of one's life be defined by what they do and what they allow to be done, as mentioned in the sermon? What practical steps can be taken to shift this culture if needed? [01:29:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you might be enjoying God's creation but losing sight of Him as the center? How can you refocus to keep God at the center of your blessings? [57:26]
2. Think about your current environment: Are there aspects of your life that have been corrupted by sin? What steps can you take to redeem these areas for God's glory? [01:12:11]
3. Consider your relationships within the church: Are there any divisions or disunity that you need to address? How can you work towards greater unity with fellow believers? [01:18:55]
4. Evaluate the culture of your life: What do you do and what do you allow to be done around you? If you don't like the culture you're living in, what specific changes can you make to shift it? [01:29:04]
5. Reflect on your commitment to Jesus: Are you living for Him or for yourself? What changes do you need to make to ensure that your life is aligned with living for Jesus and not just for personal happiness? [01:32:10]
6. How can you actively participate in community events or church activities to build relationships and share the love of Jesus with others? What steps will you take to engage more with your church community? [58:40]
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to plant different seeds to produce a better crop. What practical steps will you take this week to start this culture shift? [01:30:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Enjoying God's Creation with God at the Center
Description: It's easy to get caught up in the blessings of life and forget the One who provides them. Whether it's a new house or a day at the lake, remember to keep God at the center of it all. Enjoy His creation, but don't let it distract you from Him. The beauty of nature, the joy of family, and the pleasures of life are all gifts from God meant to be enjoyed. However, these blessings should never overshadow the Blesser. By keeping God at the center, we ensure that our enjoyment of His creation leads us closer to Him rather than away from Him. [57:26]
Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
Reflection: How can you intentionally keep God at the center of your activities today, whether you're at work, at home, or enjoying a day out?
Day 2: Being in the World, Not of It
Description: God created the world for our enjoyment, but sin has corrupted it. We are designed to be in the world but not of it. This means enjoying what God has given us without letting it rule our lives. We must focus on redeeming what has been corrupted by sin. For example, music, dancing, and even sex within the bounds of marriage are all things that the world has tried to corrupt, but we can redeem them for God's glory. By living in the world with a heavenly perspective, we can enjoy God's creation while staying true to His commandments. [01:10:16]
John 17:15-16 (ESV): "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the tension between being in the world and not of it? How can you redeem this area for God's glory today?
Day 3: Unity as a Testimony
Description: Jesus prayed for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world that Jesus is indeed God's Son. Division and disunity harm the body of Christ, especially new believers. Strive for unity with each other and with the Lord. When we are united, we reflect the love and harmony of the Trinity, making our faith attractive to those who do not yet believe. Unity in the church is not just about agreement but about love, respect, and mutual support. [01:18:55]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step towards unity today?
Day 4: Defining the Culture of Your Life
Description: The culture of your life is defined by what you do and what you allow to be done. If you don't like the culture you're living in, you have the power to change it. This series will help you take control of your life and define the culture you want to live in. By planting different seeds, you can produce a different crop. This means being intentional about your habits, relationships, and the influences you allow into your life. You have the power to create a culture that honors God and reflects His values. [01:29:04]
Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV): "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Reflection: What is one habit or influence in your life that you need to change to create a culture that honors God? What step can you take today to start this change?
Day 5: Living for Jesus or Yourself
Description: The decision to live for Jesus or for yourself is crucial. Jesus is not just there to make us happy; He wants us to be holy. By accepting Him and committing our lives to Him, we can have eternal life. This is a decision we all need to make. Living for Jesus means prioritizing His will over our own desires and seeking to reflect His character in all we do. It involves daily surrender and a commitment to follow Him, even when it's difficult. [01:32:10]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God didn't put us in this world to be isolationists... He put us here to have relationships with other people to be a part of this world. We're going to talk about that. So listen, life has changed. So the world has changed and and we're talking about that and how that affects us." [01:02:41]
2. "We are to be in unity with each other and in unity with the Lord and we are to do these things. Why he tells us why is a sign to the world that Jesus. Was indeed God's son sit by God to save us all." [01:22:02]
3. "Jesus isn't a magical ATM in the sky that you can just turn to when you need something or want something. That's not how it works. Are you going to live for him? Or are you living for yourself? That's the decision that you need to be processing right now." [01:32:10]
4. "Life is better with him than without him. But more importantly, eternal life only happens with him. So as I lead us all in this prayer, say this prayer yourself from your heart. And you can leave here confidently knowing that when you take your last breath here in eternity, you'll wake up. Or here in this world, you'll wake up in eternity with the Lord." [01:33:48]
5. "We get this one life at the end of this life. We will either inherit eternal life with the Lord or eternal death in hell. Only two options. But God loved us so much that he didn't leave us in our sinful state. He sent his son Jesus to pay the price for every one of our sins." [01:33:08]
### Quotes for Members
1. "But this talking and backbiting and gossiping and telling stories and and that happens behind the scenes and but and it's factions that's ridiculous and that'll split a church and what really breaks my heart is this hurting young believers and new converts. Amen. That's not the way it's supposed to be and by the way through visiting. No, we don't have that problem. It's an amazing church of people and I'm so honored to be the pastor and Angela and I have been blessed to be here and it's fantastic." [01:20:52]
2. "We define the culture of our lives by what we do and what we allow to be done. We're going to say it a lot. We define the culture of our lives by what we do and what we allow to be done. Now. Normally I would unpack this. I'll spend some time talking about that point and this is a break from the norm, but I'm not going to just put a pin in it. We'll come back to it later because there's some other stuff. We got to talk about first, but I wanted to set that groundwork right now that we define the culture. We set the culture." [01:06:51]
3. "We are a part of the all who will believe, okay? I talked about that earlier. If you're here, you're a child of God. You are a descendant of the disciples and the one he's praying for and I just love and listen. This is me. If this isn't you that's okay, but I love that in this passage where Jesus is praying the son praying to the father right before he's betrayed right before he's arrested. Not only is he praying for the disciples who were immediately there walking with him, but he prayed for Josh. And he prayed for Stephen and he prayed for Eric. He prayed for Terry. He pray for Donna. He pray for Tracy. He pray for Joseph." [01:18:55]
4. "We will hit a few times and that theme is called redeeming we're familiar with that term. Redemption redeeming when it comes to salvation. We are thankful that we were redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ with the blood of the lamb. We've been redeemed and we celebrate that. I've taught on that. I'll touch. I'll teach briefly on that as we continue. Okay, because you need to know but but there's another concept that I'm really big on and that is redeeming other things. We we weren't created for evil either. Okay, we've been redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ. And there's things in this world that was created for good that the world has taken and used for bad." [01:11:24]
5. "We define the culture of our lives by what we do and what we allow to be done. What is the culture? Of your world looking at what you do and or what you allow to be done around you. What is the culture of your world? If people watched you for a day and you and they said somebody asked them to find their culture, what would they write down? What would you write down? And maybe that's something you think about sometime. Maybe you need to sit down and write down what you think the culture of your life should be and then set it up and read it and live life and keep comparing it and see if it's lining up." [01:29:04]
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