Living Our Faith: Actions Reflecting Jesus' Identity

 

Summary

In our journey through the series "Come and See," we explore the profound question Jesus posed to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" This question is not just about understanding Jesus' identity but also about how we live out our faith in response to that understanding. Jesus, through His actions, demonstrated what it means to be the Messiah, and He calls us to reflect that in our lives. Our faith is not just about words but about actions that align with our proclamation that Jesus is Lord.

In Luke 9, Jesus asks His disciples about the public perception of His identity, which reflects a range of views, from a great teacher to God's Messiah. Peter's declaration that Jesus is "God's Messiah" elevates the understanding of Jesus beyond a mere prophet or teacher. This confession is a reminder that recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is foundational to our faith. However, it is not enough to merely acknowledge this truth; our lives must reflect it through our actions.

Jesus emphasizes that being His disciple involves self-denial and taking up our cross daily. This means living a life that may involve sacrifice and persecution because of our commitment to Him. Our actions, whether small or significant, should demonstrate our allegiance to Jesus. Just as a ring signifies a commitment in marriage, our daily actions should signify our commitment to Christ.

The transfiguration of Jesus, where God declares, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him," underscores the importance of not only recognizing Jesus' identity but also obeying His teachings. Listening to Jesus means aligning our lives with His will, even when it requires us to bear our cross. It is through this obedience that we truly follow Him.

As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and affirm our commitment to live out our faith through actions. This sacrament is a tangible expression of our belief in Jesus as the Messiah and our willingness to follow Him. Let us be mindful that our actions speak louder than words, and may they reflect our confession that Jesus is Lord.

Key Takeaways:

- Identity and Action: Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah is foundational, but it must be accompanied by actions that reflect this belief. Our faith is demonstrated through our daily lives, not just our words. [31:49]

- The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus involves self-denial and taking up our cross daily. This means living a life that may involve sacrifice and persecution because of our commitment to Him. [46:21]

- Listening to God: The transfiguration reminds us of the importance of listening to Jesus and obeying His teachings. Our actions should align with His will, reflecting our commitment to follow Him. [59:18]

- Communion as Commitment: Partaking in communion is a tangible expression of our belief in Jesus as the Messiah and our willingness to follow Him. It is a reminder of His sacrifice and our call to live out our faith. [01:17:12]

- Small Steps of Faith: Bearing our cross may seem daunting, but starting with small, consistent actions can lead to greater faithfulness. The Holy Spirit guides us in identifying and carrying our unique crosses. [55:35]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:49] - Jesus' Question to His Disciples
[32:45] - Understanding Jesus' Identity
[34:18] - Modern Perceptions of Jesus
[35:24] - Peter's Confession
[36:36] - Implications for Disciples Today
[37:39] - Evangelicals' View of Jesus
[38:41] - Actions Speak Louder Than Words
[41:46] - Personal Story of Love and Action
[44:12] - Confession and Action
[45:23] - Following Jesus' Example
[46:21] - Taking Up Our Cross
[47:08] - Examples of Bearing Our Cross
[49:41] - Surrendering to God's Will
[50:34] - Trusting in God's Plan
[55:35] - Starting Small in Faith
[57:28] - Listening to God
[59:18] - The Transfiguration
[01:17:12] - Communion Invitation
[01:18:33] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Come and See"

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 9:18-24
2. Matthew 17:1-5 (The Transfiguration)
3. Matthew 26:39 (Jesus in Gethsemane)

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 9:18-20, what are the different perceptions of Jesus' identity mentioned by the disciples? How does Peter's response differ from the others? [36:36]

2. What does Jesus say about the cost of discipleship in Luke 9:23-24? How does this relate to the concept of taking up one's cross? [46:21]

3. During the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-5, what does God declare about Jesus, and why is this significant for the disciples? [59:18]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of actions in demonstrating our faith, using the example of a ring in a marriage proposal? [41:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is Peter's declaration of Jesus as "God's Messiah" considered foundational to the Christian faith, and how does it challenge modern perceptions of Jesus? [36:36]

2. How does the concept of self-denial and taking up one's cross daily challenge contemporary views of comfort and success? [46:21]

3. In what ways does the Transfiguration emphasize the importance of listening to Jesus, and how might this apply to modern believers? [59:18]

4. How does the act of communion serve as a tangible expression of our commitment to follow Jesus, according to the sermon? [01:17:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal understanding of who Jesus is. How does this understanding influence your daily actions and decisions? [36:36]

2. Identify a specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial or take up your cross. What steps can you take this week to begin this practice? [46:21]

3. Consider a time when you felt called to listen to Jesus' teachings but found it challenging. What practical steps can you take to better align your life with His will? [59:18]

4. How can you make your faith visible through small, consistent actions in your daily life? Share one specific action you plan to take this week. [55:35]

5. During communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you carry the significance of this sacrament into your everyday life? [01:17:12]

6. Think of a situation where your actions did not align with your confession of faith. What changes can you make to ensure your actions reflect your beliefs? [41:46]

7. How can you create a habit of listening to God in your daily routine? Identify one specific practice you can incorporate into your life this week. [59:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith in Action
Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah is foundational to Christian faith, but it must be accompanied by actions that reflect this belief. Faith is not merely a declaration but a lifestyle that aligns with the proclamation that Jesus is Lord. This involves living out one's faith through daily actions that demonstrate allegiance to Jesus. Just as a ring signifies a commitment in marriage, our daily actions should signify our commitment to Christ. Our faith is demonstrated through our daily lives, not just our words. [31:49]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith in Jesus to those around you?


Day 2: The Cost of Commitment
Following Jesus involves self-denial and taking up our cross daily. This means living a life that may involve sacrifice and persecution because of our commitment to Him. Jesus calls His disciples to a life of self-denial, where personal desires are set aside for the sake of following Him. This path may not always be easy, but it is a testament to one's dedication and love for Christ. The journey of discipleship is marked by a willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel. [46:21]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to practice self-denial for the sake of following Jesus more closely?


Day 3: Obedience to Christ
The transfiguration of Jesus underscores the importance of not only recognizing His identity but also obeying His teachings. Listening to Jesus means aligning our lives with His will, even when it requires us to bear our cross. Obedience to Christ is a reflection of our commitment to follow Him, and it is through this obedience that we truly live out our faith. The call to listen to Jesus is a call to action, where His teachings guide our decisions and shape our lives. [59:18]

John 14:23-24 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you better align your daily actions with the teachings of Jesus, especially in areas where you find it challenging?


Day 4: Communion as a Living Commitment
Partaking in communion is a tangible expression of our belief in Jesus as the Messiah and our willingness to follow Him. It is a reminder of His sacrifice and our call to live out our faith. Communion is not just a ritual but a profound declaration of our commitment to Christ. As we remember Jesus' sacrifice, we are called to reflect on how our lives mirror this commitment. It is an opportunity to renew our dedication to living out our faith through actions that honor Him. [01:17:12]

1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Reflection: How does participating in communion inspire you to live out your faith more fully in your daily life?


Day 5: Small Steps of Faith
Bearing our cross may seem daunting, but starting with small, consistent actions can lead to greater faithfulness. The Holy Spirit guides us in identifying and carrying our unique crosses. It is through these small steps that we grow in our faith and become more aligned with God's will. Each act of faith, no matter how small, contributes to a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. The journey of faith is built on these small, faithful steps that lead to a deeper relationship with Christ. [55:35]

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. 'These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.'"

Reflection: What is one small, consistent action you can begin today that will help you grow in your faith and commitment to Jesus?

Quotes

"So we are in the midst of a sermon series called Come and See. Now, if you're new to us and you just heard the Scripture being read, you may wonder, well, shouldn't it be called Come and Hear? Because that's what we're hearing, right? We're hearing who people profess that Jesus is. Now, we will, a few verses later, as we go through these couple of passages in Luke chapter 9, where Jesus is going to change this question around to, who do you, His disciples, say that He is? And then we'll transition to a point where actions become important, this tying in to come and see. Because Jesus will show us what it means to be the Messiah through His actions, something we and everyone around Him can see." [00:31:05] (54 seconds)


"But then He changes that, too, to how can we show people through our actions that our words have meaning. If we say that, Jesus is our Lord and Messiah, we have to show it. Because ultimately, that's what we do if our faith. In other words, when Jesus talks, His disciples listen and act." [00:31:58] (28 seconds)


"So the crowds have understood that Jesus' miraculous works are of the same cloth as those predicted by the ancient prophets and actually the same things that the prophets did. They did. But those previous chapters, which Jesus raised people from the dead, say more than that. He's not just an equal to the past prophets, but He is one greater than the prophets. So who was, that was who the crowds in Jesus' time said He was, partway through His ministry. What about people today? You know, the people, the people around you as you go out about your lives." [00:33:27] (46 seconds)


"Well, in verse 20, Jesus turns his question back to his disciples. He said, but what about you? Who do you say? That I am. And Peter steps up and says, God's Messiah. So, by the second question, Jesus implies that what the crowd said was not quite good enough, was not quite an accurate description of who Jesus was. But Peter, through his saying, God's Messiah, says that his disciples have raised up their understanding. to a new level, that Jesus is more than just a spiritual leader, a good prophet." [00:36:19] (46 seconds)


"reminds us that faith begins with recognizing who Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet he is the son of the living God so Peter gave a good answer perhaps a better answer than some the evangelicals do today he gave a God -inspired answer so to recap up to this point we have heard who the general public says that Jesus is who his disciples say that Jesus is however we haven't seen anything yet have we well in verse 22 Jesus continues to tell us how he will show that he is the Messiah by his actions verse 22 and he said to them the son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders the the , chief priests and teachers of the law he must be killed and on the third day raised to life those are actions that we will see so Jesus clarifies that definition of who he is by what he will do and his future actions show not the crowd's understanding of who the anointed one the Messiah is but God's understanding of who the anointed is he just doesn't give lip service to who he is you know talk is cheap but your actions are priceless and in the rest of Luke we will see those actions taking place but even today our actions say something right about what we mean what we are committed to like if you buy something a car or a house you you put down a deposit that's that's an action to show that you are sincere about what you're promising to do when a man asks a woman to marry him he gives a ring made of precious metal and that ring shows that that's a commitment that the man is making now if this if the ring instead was like you know maybe found a great big lifesaver candy lifesaver somewhere and when he promote propose he gave that ring to his his new husband. The person he's proposing to." [00:39:18] (144 seconds)


"So our actions can actually speak louder than words. Because there's something very deeply meaningful about giving a ring to someone that you're promising to marry. And it goes throughout our actions. Even the little, we take little actions that show others that we love them. Let me tell you a little story about my childhood that meant a lot to me and showed my mother's love for me. So when I was in grade school, I felt my mother loved me. She was a divorcee and single mom and I was an only child. She said she'd love me. But there's this one activity. There's this one activity that really demonstrated this. Every Sunday after church, we would go bowling. Just the two of us." [00:41:47] (53 seconds)


"And I was a little kid, you know, I was not very good at bowling. And my mother didn't bowl any time else. So it was really just more a chance to be together. It wasn't training or working up to something. And, but it was just special. Just the two of us on a regular. Regular basis, we just throw balls down the alley and try and score above 100 pins, 100 points, you know, which is not very good, but it was kind of just us against the pins, right? And if someone would knock all the pins down, get a strike or a spare, we'd cheer for each other, right? That was good. That was a good thing to do." [00:42:49] (43 seconds)


"It was fun, and it meant something, and it was a bonding experience. So those little acts, like taking your child bowling with you, just the two of you, communicated more than all the I love you's in the world. So ask yourself, what does it mean for you to confess that Jesus is Lord? Do your actions say that he is Lord? Does your confession there shape your priorities, your relationships, and even ambitions?" [00:43:34] (37 seconds)


"Then he said to them, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will save it. In other words, Jesus is saying, if you want to be my disciple, act like it. You know, he says we are to, to take up our cross daily." [00:45:47] (35 seconds)


"Now to take up one's cross means to bear a difficulty in your life, something unpleasant. Now many of us have parts of our lives that are difficult. And this could be someone like, maybe there's someone who constantly picks on us, a boss, a family member, a co -worker, but we just have to bear it. Maybe it's a physical injury or a handicap. Maybe it's even just a job we have. We hate it, but we have to bear it to survive. This is not the cross that Jesus is talking about. As Pastor Matt said a few weeks ago, that the cross is something because of Jesus, we change our behavior. And because of that change, we are persecuted. We are persecuted because we follow Jesus." [00:46:36] (53 seconds)


"Pick up one of those small things that the Spirit tells you you should do and do it. Just pick a little bit of sliver up of your metaphorical cross. Just pick that up. And it's not a burden we need to bear on our own. The Holy Spirit will be with you in it and helping you. You get God's help." [00:56:43] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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