Living Out God's Love Through Authentic Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: Live in Righteousness

Living in righteousness means allowing God’s grace to transform us, putting off old patterns of sin, and embracing the new life that Christ offers. This is not about achieving perfection or earning salvation through good works, but about responding to God’s love by letting the Holy Spirit shape us more and more into the likeness of Jesus. As we own up to our failures and seek God’s help to change, our lives become a witness to the world of God’s power to redeem and restore. Both personal and social holiness matter—our transformation is meant to be seen in our relationships, our communities, and our acts of justice and mercy. When we live in righteousness, we show the world that God’s love is real, available, and for everyone. [56:55]

1 John 3:1-10 (ESV)
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

Reflection: Where is God inviting you to own up to an area of brokenness or sin, and how can you take a concrete step today to let the Holy Spirit transform that part of your life?

Day 2: Live in Love

To live in love is to receive the extravagant love of God through Jesus and then extend that same sacrificial, generous, and practical love to others. This love is not just a feeling or a word, but is shown in action—caring for those in need, giving generously, and laying down our lives for others as Christ did for us. When we love in this way, we reflect the very heart of God to a world that is desperate for authentic compassion and hope. Our acts of love, big or small, become a testimony that God’s love is not just for us, but for everyone we encounter. [01:09:30]

1 John 3:11-18 (ESV)
For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can show practical, sacrificial love to today—through generosity, encouragement, or meeting a need?

Day 3: Live in Christ

Living in Christ means anchoring your identity, confidence, and purpose in Jesus as the true Messiah and Savior, not in any other person, ideology, or source of power. When you believe in Jesus and abide in Him, His Spirit transforms your heart, gives you rest, and empowers you to love others as He has loved you. This life in Christ is marked by humility, compassion, and a willingness to give to others what you have received from God—whether that’s forgiveness, service, or simply a listening ear. As you live in Christ, your life becomes a living invitation for others to encounter the love and truth of Jesus. [01:17:25]

1 John 3:19-24 (ESV)
By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally abide in Christ today—through prayer, surrender, or an act of obedience—and let His love flow through you to someone else?

Day 4: Give What You Have Received

God calls us to give to others what we have received from Him—grace, forgiveness, compassion, and generosity. This means not only sharing our resources, but also extending mercy, curiosity, and hospitality, even to those who are different from us or difficult to love. When we give what Christ has given us, we break down barriers, build bridges, and show the world that God’s love is for everyone. It is through these small, Spirit-empowered acts of giving that we participate in God’s mission to heal and restore the world. [01:23:04]

Matthew 10:8 (ESV)
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Reflection: Who is someone you can bless today by giving them something you have freely received from God—whether it’s forgiveness, encouragement, or practical help?

Day 5: Display God’s Love to the World

The ultimate calling of every disciple is to display God’s love to the world—not just by receiving it, but by letting it overflow into every relationship, action, and system we touch. In a world that often sees the church as judgmental or disconnected, authentic displays of God’s love—through humility, justice, mercy, and generosity—can break down walls and invite others into the family of God. As you walk this pathway, remember that God’s Spirit empowers you to be a living witness, showing that His love is real, transformative, and available to all. [01:25:25]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one intentional way you can display God’s love to someone outside your usual circle today, so that they might see and experience the love of Christ through you?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered as a church family to reflect on the journey of discipleship and the calling to display God’s love to the world. We began by honoring those who have served in our armed forces, remembering the hope we have in Christ for a day when war will be no more. As we wrapped up our “Pathway” series, we revisited the core of what it means to be a disciple: to follow Jesus, be changed by Him, and join in His mission. In a world full of competing voices and alternative pathways, we are reminded that discipleship is not just a church program but the very way of life Jesus invites us into.

We explored the reality that many in our culture have a negative perception of the church, often seeing Christians as judgmental or disconnected from real issues. Yet, there is a deep hunger for the authentic love and teachings of Jesus. This is our opportunity and responsibility: to display a radical, sacrificial, and authentic love that breaks down barriers and invites all people into God’s family.

Anchoring ourselves in 1 John 3, we saw that God has lavished His love on us, calling us His children. This love is not meant to be hoarded but shared. Our actions must match our beliefs; it is not enough to speak of love—we must live it out. John’s letter challenges us to live in righteousness, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the transforming grace of Christ. This righteousness is both personal and social, calling us to own up to our failures, seek forgiveness, and pursue holiness together in community.

We are also called to live in love, defined not by fleeting emotions or cultural trends, but by the sacrificial example of Jesus. Love is demonstrated through generosity, humility, and service—giving of ourselves for the good of others. When we love in this way, we speak a better word to a world obsessed with achievement and self-interest, showing that every person is valued and seen by God.

Finally, we are called to live in Christ alone. In a world searching for saviors in all the wrong places, we point to the true Messiah, Jesus, not through condemnation but through curiosity, compassion, and invitation. The Spirit empowers us to give what we have received—grace, forgiveness, and love—so that others might encounter the transforming power of Christ.

As we go, we are sent to discover God’s love daily, deepen our love for others, and display His love to the world, trusting that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead empowers us for this mission.

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Discipleship Requires Action, Not Just Belief It is not enough to claim faith in Jesus or to speak about God’s love; our lives must reflect the transformation we profess. True discipleship is evidenced when our actions align with our beliefs, and we allow the Spirit to sanctify us, both personally and in community. This authenticity is what the world is longing to see—a faith that is lived, not just spoken. [51:34]
2. Righteousness Is Both Personal and Social Living in righteousness means more than avoiding personal sin; it involves actively participating in God’s work of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in the world. We are called to own our failures, seek forgiveness, and pursue holiness together, recognizing that our witness is strengthened when we are honest about our need for grace and our ongoing transformation. [59:24]
3. Love Is Defined by Sacrifice and Generosity The love God calls us to display is not self-serving or sentimental, but sacrificial and generous, modeled after Jesus’ own life. This love is made tangible when we give of our time, resources, and presence to others, especially those in need. Generosity breaks down barriers and speaks hope into places of pain and isolation. [72:20]
4. Living in Christ Alone Grounds Our Confidence and Mission In a culture filled with false saviors and shifting definitions of truth, our confidence and rest are found in Christ alone. When we root our identity and mission in Jesus, we are empowered to love others without fear or condemnation, offering the same grace and curiosity that Christ extends to us. [77:25]
5. The Spirit Empowers Us to Give What We Have Received The call to display God’s love is not a burden we carry alone. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, equipping us to forgive, serve, and love beyond our natural capacity. As we take small steps of obedience, we become conduits of God’s love, inviting others into the abundant life found in Christ.

** [83:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Honoring Memorial Day and Our Veterans
[02:30] - Series Recap: The Pathway of Discipleship
[05:10] - The Challenge of Competing Pathways
[07:45] - Our Discipleship Pathway: Discover, Deepen, Display
[10:30] - The World’s Perception of the Church
[13:00] - The Call to Display God’s Love
[15:00] - Reading 1 John 3: God’s Lavish Love
[18:30] - Actions Speak Louder Than Words
[22:00] - Context of 1 John: Ephesus and Early Christians
[26:00] - Living in Righteousness: Personal and Social Holiness
[32:00] - Giving Witness Through Authenticity
[36:00] - Living in Love: Sacrifice and Generosity
[43:00] - Living in Christ Alone: True Confidence and Rest
[50:00] - Responding to God’s Love and Next Steps
[53:30] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 3:1-24 — (Primary text for the sermon; read the whole chapter together.)

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 3, what does it mean to be called “children of God”? What is the evidence that someone is a child of God?
In verses 11-18, what does John say is the message believers have heard from the beginning? How does he contrast love and hate using the story of Cain and Abel?
What does John say is the definition of love in verse 16? How does this definition challenge common ideas about love in our culture?
The sermon mentioned that many people outside the church see Christians as judgmental or disconnected. What reasons did the pastor give for why this perception exists? ([42:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why does John emphasize that God’s love is “lavished” on us and that we are called children of God? What difference does it make to see ourselves this way?
The pastor said, “It is not enough to claim faith in Jesus or to speak about God’s love; our lives must reflect the transformation we profess.” What does it look like for actions to match beliefs in real life? ([51:34])
John writes, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Why is it so important for love to be demonstrated, not just spoken?
The sermon talked about righteousness being both personal and social. What does it mean for holiness to be “social” and not just individual? ([59:24])

Application Questions

The pastor shared that many people outside the church see Christians as judgmental or disconnected from real issues. Have you ever encountered this perception personally? How did it make you feel, and what could you do differently to display God’s love authentically? ([42:50])
John says that love is defined by Jesus laying down his life for us. What is one practical way you could “lay down your life” (sacrifice your time, comfort, or resources) for someone this week? ([01:12:20])
The sermon challenged us to own up to our failures and seek forgiveness, both personally and as a church. Is there someone you need to apologize to or seek forgiveness from? What’s holding you back? ([01:00:29])
The pastor described “social holiness” as living out our faith together and letting it impact our community. What is one way your small group could serve or show generosity to people outside your group this month? ([59:24])
The sermon said, “Living in Christ alone grounds our confidence and mission.” Are there “false saviors” or distractions in your life that compete with Jesus for your trust and attention? What would it look like to re-center your life on Christ this week? ([01:17:25])
The pastor encouraged us to give what we have received—grace, forgiveness, and love. Who is one person in your life who needs to experience God’s grace through you? How can you take a small step toward them this week? ([01:23:04])
The Spirit empowers us to love beyond our natural capacity. Is there a situation or relationship where you feel unable to love or forgive? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you take the next step? ([01:23:04])

Sermon Clips

``We do not believe that Christ followers are simply called to receive God's love and receive Jesus' saving offer and then never extend it to other people. In fact, as we've been talking in this series, we have stated that it is anti-Christ to believe that we're called simply just to receive God's love and then not extend it to other people. That's not the gospel. That's not the message of Jesus at all. [00:41:25] (23 seconds)

This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need, but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. [01:05:56] (20 seconds)

When you receive God's love and declare him to be Messiah and Lord and Savior of your life, his love will actually transform you and empower you to love other people. And that's where you will find confidence. Because you'll look at the actions that you're doing and say, I never wanted to do that before Jesus. Especially to that guy or that gal, right? [01:16:55] (20 seconds)

People are still looking for messiahs in their lives. They're still looking for saviors. They still elevate people, whether it's politicians or celebrities or popular voices or powerful antics or false premises of what truth or love or justice looks like. This is so important for us to live in Christ because it speaks to a world that is searching for a savior and says the savior has already come. [01:19:20] (22 seconds)

It is not impossible. It's one small step of obedience at a time. And it is this truth that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in our hearts and lives by faith and empowers us to do the things that we could not do. The same one who pours out resources where we feel like there are none, who gives us gifts and produces fruit and helps us to remember the truth that Jesus taught so that we could live it out and give it to the people around us. [01:23:23] (27 seconds)

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