Living Out Genuine Faith: Tests and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and glorify God, recognizing His worthiness and our privilege to be called His children. We began by celebrating our community, both in person and online, and extended a special invitation to our upcoming church event at Field of Dreams in Salem, New Hampshire. This event will be a significant gathering of all our services and locations, featuring worship, baptisms, and fellowship.
We then delved into our new series on 1 John, emphasizing the transition from merely agreeing with God's word to actively living it out. The core message of 1 John is about moving from faith to faithfulness, demonstrating our love for God through our actions. We discussed the importance of not just professing our faith but living it in a way that reflects our relationship with Jesus Christ.
In 1 John, we are reminded that while we will never be sinless on this side of eternity, our relationship with Christ should inspire us to sin less. This relationship, much like a marriage, should have a profound influence on our daily lives. We explored three tests to evaluate our faith: the attitude test, the action test, and the affection test. These tests help us ensure that our relationship with God is genuine and impactful.
The attitude test examines our willingness to obey God's commands out of love and respect for Him. The action test looks at how our behavior reflects our commitment to God. The affection test measures our love for others, as an extension of our love for God. These tests are crucial for self-examination, ensuring that our faith is not just a superficial claim but a deep, transformative relationship with God.
We concluded with an invitation for those who have not yet accepted Christ to take the first step in faith, acknowledging their sin and inviting Jesus into their hearts. This moment of decision is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Genuine Faith: Our faith should move beyond mere agreement with God's word to active involvement in living it out. This transition from faith to faithfulness is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. Our actions should reflect our professed beliefs, demonstrating our love for God through obedience and commitment. [05:14]
2. Sin Less, Not Sinless: While we will never achieve sinlessness on this side of eternity, our relationship with Christ should inspire us to sin less. This ongoing process of sanctification is a testament to the transformative power of our relationship with Jesus. It's about growth and striving to live a life that honors God. [07:36]
3. Three Tests of Faith: The attitude test, action test, and affection test are essential for self-examination. The attitude test checks our willingness to obey God out of love, the action test evaluates our behavior, and the affection test measures our love for others. These tests help ensure that our faith is genuine and impactful. [23:39]
4. The Influence of Relationships: Just as a marriage influences our daily choices, our relationship with Christ should have a profound impact on our lives. This relationship should guide our actions, decisions, and attitudes, reflecting our commitment to God. It's about living in a way that honors the covenant we have with Him. [10:08]
5. Invitation to Faith: For those who have not yet accepted Christ, today is an opportunity to take the first step. Acknowledge your sin, invite Jesus into your heart, and begin a transformative relationship with Him. This decision is the start of a lifelong journey of growing in faith and experiencing God's love. [33:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Opening Prayer
[01:33] - Greeting and Announcements
[01:58] - Special Invitation to Field of Dreams Event
[03:14] - Encouragement to Bring Food and Fellowship
[03:47] - Recap of Last Week and Introduction to 1 John Series
[04:28] - Importance of Tuesday Night Maturity Service
[05:14] - Moving from Agreement to Involvement
[06:51] - Sin Less, Not Sinless
[07:36] - Introduction to 1 John Chapter 2
[10:08] - Influence of Relationships
[11:52] - The Impact of Genuine Faith
[14:10] - Levels of Obedience
[23:39] - The Attitude Test
[26:42] - The Action Test
[28:37] - The Affection Test
[33:46] - Invitation to Faith
[35:37] - Prayer and Commitment
[36:40] - Closing Blessing and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:1-6 (NIV)
> My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
2. 1 John 2:7-11 (NIV)
> Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three tests mentioned in the sermon to evaluate our faith? ([23:39])
2. According to 1 John 2:1-6, what is the role of Jesus Christ when we sin?
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and actions? ([05:14])
4. What does 1 John 2:7-11 say about loving our brothers and sisters in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the "attitude test" help us understand our willingness to obey God's commands? ([23:39])
2. In what ways does the "action test" reflect our commitment to God, according to the sermon? ([26:42])
3. How does the "affection test" measure our love for others, and why is this important for our faith? ([28:37])
4. What does it mean to move from faith to faithfulness, and how is this concept emphasized in 1 John? ([05:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the "attitude test." Are there areas in your life where you struggle to obey God's commands out of love and respect? How can you work on this? ([23:39])
2. Think about the "action test." How do your daily behaviors reflect your commitment to God? Can you identify one specific action you can take this week to better align your behavior with your faith? ([26:42])
3. Consider the "affection test." How can you show more love to others in your community, especially those who are difficult to love? ([28:37])
4. The sermon mentioned that our relationship with Christ should inspire us to sin less. What practical steps can you take to reduce sin in your life? ([07:36])
5. How does your relationship with Christ influence your daily decisions and actions, similar to how a marriage influences choices? Can you think of a recent decision where your faith played a significant role? ([10:08])
6. For those who have not yet accepted Christ, the sermon extended an invitation to take the first step in faith. If you are in this position, what is holding you back from making this decision? ([33:46])
7. How can you ensure that your faith is not just a superficial claim but a deep, transformative relationship with God? What changes might you need to make in your life to reflect this? ([12:27])
Devotional
Day 1: From Agreement to Involvement
Our faith should move beyond mere agreement with God's word to active involvement in living it out. This transition from faith to faithfulness is crucial for a genuine relationship with God. Our actions should reflect our professed beliefs, demonstrating our love for God through obedience and commitment. [05:14]
In the book of James, we are reminded that faith without works is dead. It is not enough to simply agree with the teachings of the Bible; we must actively live them out in our daily lives. This means making conscious decisions that align with God's will and demonstrating our faith through our actions. When we move from agreement to involvement, we show that our faith is genuine and that we are committed to living a life that honors God.
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: Think of one area in your life where you have been merely agreeing with God's word but not actively living it out. What specific steps can you take today to move from agreement to involvement in that area?
Day 2: Sin Less, Not Sinless
While we will never achieve sinlessness on this side of eternity, our relationship with Christ should inspire us to sin less. This ongoing process of sanctification is a testament to the transformative power of our relationship with Jesus. It's about growth and striving to live a life that honors God. [07:36]
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ, and it is a lifelong journey. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we should be inspired to sin less. This does not mean we will be perfect, but it does mean that we will be continually striving to live a life that reflects our commitment to God. Our relationship with Christ should have a transformative effect on our behavior, leading us to make choices that honor Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor."
Reflection: Identify a recurring sin in your life that you struggle with. How can your relationship with Christ inspire you to sin less in this area? What practical steps can you take to overcome this sin?
Day 3: The Attitude, Action, and Affection Tests
The attitude test, action test, and affection test are essential for self-examination. The attitude test checks our willingness to obey God out of love, the action test evaluates our behavior, and the affection test measures our love for others. These tests help ensure that our faith is genuine and impactful. [23:39]
Self-examination is a crucial part of the Christian walk. The attitude test examines our willingness to obey God's commands out of love and respect for Him. The action test looks at how our behavior reflects our commitment to God. The affection test measures our love for others, as an extension of our love for God. These tests help us ensure that our faith is not just a superficial claim but a deep, transformative relationship with God.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to evaluate your faith using the attitude, action, and affection tests. Which area do you find most challenging? How can you work on improving in that area to ensure your faith is genuine and impactful?
Day 4: The Influence of Relationships
Just as a marriage influences our daily choices, our relationship with Christ should have a profound impact on our lives. This relationship should guide our actions, decisions, and attitudes, reflecting our commitment to God. It's about living in a way that honors the covenant we have with Him. [10:08]
Our relationship with Christ should be the most significant influence in our lives. Just as a marriage affects our daily choices and behaviors, our relationship with Jesus should guide our actions, decisions, and attitudes. This relationship is a covenant, and it requires us to live in a way that honors God. When we allow our relationship with Christ to influence every aspect of our lives, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and reflect His love to the world.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on how your relationship with Christ influences your daily choices. Is there an area of your life where you need to allow His influence to guide you more? What changes can you make to ensure that your actions, decisions, and attitudes reflect your commitment to God?
Day 5: Invitation to Faith
For those who have not yet accepted Christ, today is an opportunity to take the first step. Acknowledge your sin, invite Jesus into your heart, and begin a transformative relationship with Him. This decision is the start of a lifelong journey of growing in faith and experiencing God's love. [33:46]
Accepting Christ is the most important decision one can make. It begins with acknowledging our sin and recognizing our need for a Savior. By inviting Jesus into our hearts, we start a transformative relationship with Him. This decision marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith, experiencing God's love, and living a life that honors Him. It is an invitation to a new life, filled with grace, hope, and purpose.
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: If you have not yet accepted Christ, what is holding you back? Take a moment to reflect on your need for a Savior and consider inviting Jesus into your heart today. If you have already accepted Christ, how can you share this invitation with someone else in your life?
Quotes
1. "We learned in that last series that all that Jesus Christ has done for us requires a response from us. And we understand that as parents and grandparents, you know. Sometimes we say to our kid, hey, go clean your room. And when they don't clean their room, you look at them and say, excuse me, mister. Maybe that's how I say it. But anyway. You know. You know, I'll say to my grandson, Oliver Gray Tinney, who's in the house today. I'll say, hey, grandson, why don't you clean your room? And he'll be like, I did clean my room. No, no, I didn't mean pick up one of the bottles. I meant pick up the 39 bottles that are all over the place." [06:02] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes people are like, I just don't feel it. I don't care if you feel faith-filled or not. He died for you so that you can live for him. I mean, it is really, I'm not feeling it. And so we learned that. And then last week, we kicked off 1 John. And in chapter 1, what you learned was that in Christ, somebody say in Christ. We're never going to be sinless on this side of eternity. But because of this relationship, there ought to be a growing desire in our lives to want to sin less. All right? Not sinless, but sin less. Can I get an amen?" [06:51] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If Jesus Christ is radically redeemed and restored your life by his amazing grace, meaning he saved you for heaven, and his mercy rescued you from hell, put your hands together and give him some glory. Amen? And what he's talking about is because I am in a relationship, just like the relationship I'm in with Christy Lynn, my wife, this relationship impacts me. It has influence over me. It makes me want to every day say yes to her, and every day, consciously, subconsciously, when I say yes to her, there is a slew of things that I say no to. And all the married people said?" [09:19] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He himself is a sacrifice, a sacrifice that atones for our sins, and not only for our sins, but the sins of all the world. Verse 3. And we can be sure. we go. This is all this relational stuff. If we obey So right out of the gate, the Holy Spirit wants us to know that we don't have to live in sin. We do not need to allow sin to have dominion in our lives. And this is a big deal because as we learned a couple weeks ago, when we talked about walking in, when we talked about walking in holiness that Christian writer C.S. Lewis wrote this at the single course of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge things with their lips and go about their old lifestyle that is an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." [11:52] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He literally says that people who claim like like like claim to know Christ must must must live that live in such a way that people say, wait a minute. That person is under the influence of a relationship. It's a big deal. And we say this all the time. A great and we're we're called to draw attention to ourself to to bring glory to and so he talks about like a lot of this is you know, and we say this action speak louder than and what he says, what we just read is this thing about obedience like like like a lot of times people don't like the word obey. They don't. They don't like the word obey and but I just want you to know that in my life I live in such a way where I want to live in obedience to the relational commitment and covenant that I've made with Christy Lynn." [12:27] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's the kind of say I'm going to obey because I'm tired of getting in trouble like like when you were little before you realize as you were figuring this out that every choice comes with a consequence. When we disobeyed we realize that in my life like I realize that when I didn't live in obedience to my parents commands if I didn't live in obedience or obey them it would typically come with a wooden spoon shoe or belt amen. Oh and there never was this one time where there was a telephone booth. Well what does that have to do with obedience. Oh I'll tell you. I was about. Eight years old and this is how this will speak to my how bad parenting the bad parenting. I snuck out of the hotel room." [14:10] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want to I love her so much I want to live in obedience and honor the the covenant and promises that we made to each other because I love her because I want to honor her because this relationship matters to me I want to live for her if you're with me give me an amen. First John chapter 2 verse 4. Puts it this way right he says if someone claims what church now listen this Holy Spirit's getting right to it but doesn't obey God's command you're just lying to yourself you're not really living in the truth like the relationship that I'm in with Christy has influenced an impact in my life if it didn't and I just did whatever I wanted to do regardless of how she feels about it how it is." [17:30] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "This relationship you're in with Christ. Needs to have influence and impact in your life. Or maybe you're just not in a relationship you think you are. And then there's a third test is the affection test. Affection. First John 2 7. Dear friends. I'm not writing a new commandment for you. Rather it's an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment to love one another is the same message you heard before. Oh verse 8 he says yet it is also new. Wait a minute. It's old but it's not old but it's new. What is going on here. Hold on." [28:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus lived the truth of this commandment and you also are living it. That's a key. For the darkness is disappearing and the true light is shining. Here's what he's saying here. He's saying hey God has always been love. He's always been love. But here's the thing. There was a point in your time you didn't know and understand the love of God. And even when you came to the point you realize that you were a sinner in need of a savior. You didn't necessarily say I need Jesus because you loved God. Most of us said yes to Jesus because I didn't want to die and go to hell. And then I started growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and I started being blown away by the love of God." [29:14] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And the love of God I'm like I cannot. I understood that you saved me. I didn't really understand the depth of grace and mercy and your unfailing love and your patience and your long suffering. You did that for me. Are you kidding me. And the deeper and wider I go in my understanding of who God is. Remember. I told you the heart cannot love what the mind does not know. So the more I grow in my depth and knowledge of the love of God the more I just want to love him back because I can't believe he loves me with this unfailing and unconditional love. Come on church. Amen. It's like oh baby. Wow. I didn't understand that love. I just want it from you. But now I you. I can't. I can't believe you love me." [30:10] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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