Living Our Faith: An Inheritance of Action

Summary

### Summary

Good morning and welcome to worship at Freedon's United Church of Christ. Today, we gather to celebrate our faith and the inheritance that has been passed down to us through generations. This faith is not just a relic to be preserved but a living, breathing part of our daily lives. We are reminded of the words from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which speak of our inheritance in the family of God. This inheritance is not just a gift but a responsibility. It calls us to live out our faith actively, to be brave, loving, and to take risks for the sake of goodness.

I shared a personal story about a precious doll from my grandmother, which was too fragile to play with but was meant to be passed down as a family treasure. This story serves as a metaphor for our faith. Unlike the doll, our faith is not meant to be kept in a box and only taken out on special occasions. It is meant to be used, shared, and even sometimes broken and repaired. The value of our faith lies in its practice, not its preservation.

We are called to reflect on how we are spending our inheritance of faith. Are we using it to make a difference in the world? Are we expressing loving kindness and standing up for those who are unheard? Our faith should make us braver and more compassionate. It is a living testament to God's promises, which are steadfast and eternal.

As we move forward, let us remember that our faith is a daily practice. It is more valuable than gold but as common as our daily bread. Let us use it, share it, and live it out every day. Thanks be to God. Amen.

### Key Takeaways

1. Faith as an Inheritance: Our faith is a precious inheritance passed down through generations. It is not just a gift but a responsibility that calls us to live out our faith actively and meaningfully. We are heirs to the kingdom of God, and this inheritance is bona fide and sealed. [22:20]

2. Living Faith Daily: Unlike fragile heirlooms that are kept safe and unused, our faith is meant to be practiced daily. It should be shared, sometimes broken and repaired, and always lived out. The value of our faith lies in its practice, not its preservation. [28:32]

3. Bravery and Compassion: Our faith should make us braver and more compassionate. It should empower us to stand up for the unheard and express loving kindness, especially to those different from us. This is how we truly live out our inheritance of faith. [26:36]

4. God's Eternal Promises: The promises of God are steadfast and eternal. They do not expire with us but continue for all generations. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that God's love and promises are perpetual. [24:31]

5. Faith in Action: Our faith is not just for special occasions but for everyday life. It should be used to make a difference in the world, to show compassion, and to live out God's will. This is how we honor our inheritance and pass it on to future generations. [39:11]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[09:45] - Opening Prayer
[10:42] - Sharing the Peace of Christ
[22:20] - Faith as an Inheritance
[24:31] - Personal Story: The Precious Doll
[26:36] - Responsibilities of Faith
[28:32] - Practicing Faith Daily
[37:38] - Prayers and Concerns
[39:11] - Faith in Action
[40:41] - Mission Trip Commissioning
[48:38] - Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:11-14 (NIV)
> "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says we are "heirs to the kingdom of God"? How does this relate to the concept of inheritance mentioned in the sermon? [22:20]
2. In the personal story shared, why was the doll considered too fragile to play with, and how does this serve as a metaphor for our faith? [24:31]
3. According to the sermon, what are some ways our faith should be practiced daily rather than preserved like an heirloom? [28:32]
4. How does the sermon describe the promises of God, and what assurance do they provide for believers? [24:31]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our faith as an inheritance change the way we view our daily actions and responsibilities? [22:20]
2. The sermon suggests that our faith should make us braver and more compassionate. What might this look like in practical terms in our daily lives? [26:36]
3. Reflect on the metaphor of the fragile doll. How can the idea of "breaking and repairing" apply to our faith journey? [24:31]
4. What does it mean to live out God's eternal promises, and how can this perspective influence our interactions with others? [24:31]

#### Application Questions
1. Think about your own faith journey. Are there areas where you have been preserving your faith rather than actively practicing it? What steps can you take to change this? [28:32]
2. The sermon calls us to be brave and compassionate. Identify one situation in your life where you can show bravery or compassion this week. How will you approach it? [26:36]
3. How can you use your faith to make a difference in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this month to live out your faith actively. [39:11]
4. Reflect on the idea that God's promises are eternal and steadfast. How does this assurance affect your confidence in facing life's challenges? [24:31]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing our faith. Who in your life could benefit from hearing about your faith journey, and how can you share it with them in a meaningful way? [28:32]
6. Consider the metaphor of the doll that was too fragile to play with. Are there aspects of your faith that you have been keeping "in a box"? How can you start using and sharing these aspects more openly? [24:31]
7. How can you ensure that your faith is a living, breathing part of your daily life rather than something reserved for special occasions? What practical steps can you take to integrate your faith into your everyday routine? [28:32]

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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, encouraging both reflection and practical application of the message.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as an Inheritance
Our faith is a precious inheritance passed down through generations. It is not just a gift but a responsibility that calls us to live out our faith actively and meaningfully. We are heirs to the kingdom of God, and this inheritance is bona fide and sealed. This means that our faith is not something to be kept hidden or only brought out on special occasions. Instead, it is a living, breathing part of our daily lives that should be used to make a difference in the world. We are called to reflect on how we are spending our inheritance of faith. Are we using it to express loving kindness and stand up for those who are unheard? Our faith should make us braver and more compassionate, a living testament to God's promises, which are steadfast and eternal. [22:20]

Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you actively use your faith today to make a difference in someone else's life?

Day 2: Living Faith Daily
Unlike fragile heirlooms that are kept safe and unused, our faith is meant to be practiced daily. It should be shared, sometimes broken and repaired, and always lived out. The value of our faith lies in its practice, not its preservation. This means that our faith should be a part of our everyday actions and decisions. It is not something to be kept in a box and only taken out on Sundays or special occasions. Instead, it should be a guiding force in our lives, helping us to navigate the challenges and opportunities we face each day. By living out our faith daily, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and grow closer to God. [28:32]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can live out your faith today in your daily routine?

Day 3: Bravery and Compassion
Our faith should make us braver and more compassionate. It should empower us to stand up for the unheard and express loving kindness, especially to those different from us. This is how we truly live out our inheritance of faith. By being brave and compassionate, we can make a positive impact on the world and show others the love of God. This means stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks for the sake of goodness. It means standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and showing kindness to those who may not always receive it. By doing so, we can live out our faith in a meaningful and impactful way. [26:36]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can show compassion to today, even if it requires bravery?

Day 4: God's Eternal Promises
The promises of God are steadfast and eternal. They do not expire with us but continue for all generations. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that God's love and promises are perpetual. This means that we can trust in God's promises, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. We can have confidence that God's love and faithfulness will never fail us. By holding onto this assurance, we can live our lives with hope and courage, knowing that God is always with us and His promises are true. [24:31]

Psalm 100:5 (ESV): "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's eternal promises today, especially in moments of doubt or fear?

Day 5: Faith in Action
Our faith is not just for special occasions but for everyday life. It should be used to make a difference in the world, to show compassion, and to live out God's will. This is how we honor our inheritance and pass it on to future generations. By putting our faith into action, we can make a positive impact on the world and show others the love of God. This means being intentional about how we live out our faith each day, looking for opportunities to serve others and make a difference. By doing so, we can honor the inheritance of faith that has been passed down to us and ensure that it continues to be a living, breathing part of our lives. [39:11]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to put your faith into practice and make a difference in the world?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "The peace of Christ that comes to us is not ours to keep or hoard or store in a bigger barn. It's ours to give away, to share. Let us begin here and now as we share. The peace of Christ. May the peace of Christ be with you." [10:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We have been given something significant, this faith of ours. And so how we use it becomes something we must ponder for ourselves. How are you spending your inheritance is really asking, how are you living in faith? Is your faith making you braver to express and speak up for those who are often unheard or excluded?" [26:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You have been given an inheritance in faith. So, your life is your turn to live into those blessings, to know God's promise, his steadfast love, to be aware of his will and seek his guidance, and to feel the comfort of his presence and love." [26:36] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Remember each day, you are chose by God. Be open to the spiritual blessings available at all times. We are cleansed and free, purified and made whole. God is our God and greatly to be praised. Dwell in the mystery of God's will for you. Dare to reach out in love to those who share your world." [40:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "May you go forth from this place remembering who you are and whose you are, for you are beloved and you belong to God. So go in peace." [48:38] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "Indeed, this faith of ours is an inheritance. That is to say, it's been passed down to us, generation by generation, from mothers and fathers, from elders and ancients, by way of many people in many languages and many places, surviving wars and plagues and persisting through times of apathy or indifference." [22:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "This is what families do. They pass down the important things, whether that's wealth or whether that's a recipe. We want to know that after we're gone, our people will have. What they need. This is also true for the family of God. As we read about in our treasured stories, those promises that God made long ago to men like Noah and Abraham, God promised that his blessings would not expire upon their death, but would continue in steadfast perpetuity to all the generations and descendants. Forever." [24:31] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I'm so grateful that our faith traditions are not like that precious doll in my mom's attic, not like the good china we only use sparingly. Rather, to share our inheritance, to share this faith to the younger generations, we must use it every day, not just on special occasions. We have to break it and repair it and get it messy. We even have to lose it sometimes just to find it all over again. For the value of our faith is not found in its preservation, but in its practice." [28:32] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "May Paul's words serve as a reminder of our inherent worth and also our deep responsibility. I'm so grateful that our faith traditions are not like that precious doll in my mom's attic, not like the good china we only use sparingly. Rather, to share our inheritance, to share this faith to the younger generations, we must use it every day, not just on special occasions." [28:32] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We know that we too can answer prayers and concerns by showing up with compassion and mercy and grace the things we have learned and inherited from Jesus and from you, oh Father God. Guide our steps and watch our mouths in the weeks ahead that we might live into your will as we come and as we go and with all of our interactions with your other beloved children." [39:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?