Living Out Obedience: Preaching the Gospel Daily
Summary
### Summary
Today's message centers on the theme of obedience and the call to preach the gospel and make disciples. We began by reflecting on the recent influx of people into our community and the opportunities it presented for outreach. Mark shared his testimony, emphasizing that obedience to God opens doors for ministry. The core of our mission, as Jesus commanded, is to preach the gospel and make disciples, not just from the pulpit but through our everyday lives. This involves living in such a way that our actions reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
We discussed practical ways to live out this mission, such as building trust through consistent, godly behavior and seizing everyday opportunities to share God's love. The importance of praying in the moment and being present in people's lives was highlighted as a powerful way to minister. We also touched on the need to engage with the world without compromising our values, much like Jesus did when He ate with sinners and tax collectors.
The message challenged us to move beyond mere boycotts and political actions, urging us to focus on genuine life transformation through decision and discipleship. We were reminded that our lives should be about leading others to make a decision for Christ and then walking with them through discipleship. This is the essence of being the salt and light of the world, as Jesus described in Matthew 5.
We concluded with a call to prioritize Kairos moments—those divine opportunities for ministry—over our busy schedules. By doing so, we can truly be the church, living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ. The message ended with a prayer for empowerment and a commitment to be obedient to God's call in our everyday lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience Opens Doors: When we are obedient to God's call, He opens doors for ministry that we could never open on our own. This could be as simple as slowing down to listen to someone at the grocery store or as significant as taking a bold step of faith in a public setting. Obedience is the key to unlocking divine opportunities. [46:33]
2. Preach the Gospel with Your Life: The most effective way to preach the gospel is through our everyday actions. Our lives should reflect the radical transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This means living with integrity and consistency, so people see a noticeable difference in us and are drawn to Christ. [48:04]
3. Pray and Pursue: Instead of retreating from the world, we are called to engage with it through prayer and active pursuit of the lost. This involves showing the love of Jesus in everyday interactions, even in places where we might feel uncomfortable or judged. Our mission is to bring light into dark places. [52:42]
4. Decision and Discipleship: Our lives should be focused on leading people to make a decision for Christ and then walking with them through discipleship. This dual focus ensures that new believers grow in their faith and become mature disciples who can, in turn, lead others. [59:52]
5. Kairos Over Kronos: We must prioritize divine moments (Kairos) over our busy schedules (Kronos). These are the moments when God opens doors for ministry, and we must be ready to step through them. By focusing on these divine opportunities, we can truly live out our calling to be the salt and light of the world. [25:12]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [0:30] - Introduction and Testimony
3. [2:00] - Obedience Opens Doors
4. [4:00] - Preach the Gospel and Make Disciples
5. [6:00] - Living a Life of Integrity
6. [8:00] - Practical Tips for Everyday Ministry
7. [10:00] - Pray and Pursue
8. [12:00] - Engaging with the World
9. [14:00] - Decision and Discipleship
10. [16:00] - The Importance of Kairos Moments
11. [18:00] - Being the Salt and Light
12. [20:00] - Prioritizing Ministry in Everyday Life
13. [22:00] - Final Thoughts and Prayer
14. [24:00] - Offering and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
> "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
2. Luke 19:10 (NIV)
> "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
3. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
> "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" in Matthew 5:13-16?
2. According to Luke 19:10, what was Jesus' primary mission on earth?
3. How does Romans 12:2 describe the process of transformation for believers?
4. In the sermon, what practical examples were given to illustrate how obedience opens doors for ministry? [46:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" influence our daily interactions with others? [48:04]
2. What are some ways that believers can engage with the world without compromising their values, as Jesus did when He ate with sinners and tax collectors? [53:40]
3. How does the concept of "Kairos over Kronos" challenge our typical approach to time management and priorities? [25:12]
4. What does it mean to live a life that reflects the radical transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit? [48:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt a nudge to be obedient to God's call. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [46:33]
2. Think of a specific area in your life where you can be more intentional about being the "salt and light" to those around you. What steps can you take this week to make a difference? [48:04]
3. Identify a person in your life who is lost or struggling. How can you engage with them through prayer and active pursuit, showing them the love of Jesus? [52:42]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of praying in the moment into your daily routine? Share a specific instance where you can apply this practice. [49:33]
5. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there "Kairos moments" you might be missing due to busyness? How can you adjust your priorities to be more open to these divine opportunities? [25:12]
6. What are some practical ways you can lead someone to a decision for Christ and then walk with them through discipleship? [59:52]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and lifestyle consistently reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, even in challenging environments? [48:04]
Devotional
### Day 1: Obedience Unlocks Divine Opportunities
When we are obedient to God's call, He opens doors for ministry that we could never open on our own. This could be as simple as slowing down to listen to someone at the grocery store or as significant as taking a bold step of faith in a public setting. Obedience is the key to unlocking divine opportunities. When we align our actions with God's will, we become instruments through which He can work powerfully. This obedience often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust that God will guide us and provide the necessary resources.
Obedience is not just about following rules; it's about being attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading in our daily lives. It means being willing to pause our busy schedules to engage with someone who needs to hear about God's love. It means being ready to act when God presents us with a Kairos moment—a divine opportunity for ministry. By being obedient, we allow God to use us in ways we could never imagine, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom. [46:33]
Isaiah 1:19-20 (ESV): "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to act but hesitated. How can you be more obedient to God's call in similar situations in the future?
### Day 2: Living the Gospel Daily
The most effective way to preach the gospel is through our everyday actions. Our lives should reflect the radical transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This means living with integrity and consistency, so people see a noticeable difference in us and are drawn to Christ. When our actions align with our faith, we become living testimonies of God's grace and power. This kind of living requires us to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves in every situation, ensuring that our behavior aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Living the gospel daily involves more than just avoiding sin; it means actively demonstrating love, kindness, and compassion in all our interactions. It means being patient, forgiving, and generous, even when it's difficult. By doing so, we create opportunities for others to see Christ in us and be inspired to seek Him for themselves. Our consistent, godly behavior builds trust and opens doors for deeper conversations about faith. [48:04]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions. Are there areas where your actions do not align with your faith? How can you make changes to ensure your life consistently reflects the gospel?
### Day 3: Engaging the World Through Prayer and Action
Instead of retreating from the world, we are called to engage with it through prayer and active pursuit of the lost. This involves showing the love of Jesus in everyday interactions, even in places where we might feel uncomfortable or judged. Our mission is to bring light into dark places. Engaging the world means being present in people's lives, listening to their struggles, and offering the hope that comes from knowing Jesus. It means being willing to step into difficult situations and bring God's peace and love.
Prayer is a powerful tool in this mission. By praying for those we encounter, we invite God's presence into their lives and open the door for His transformative work. We must also be willing to take action, whether it's offering a kind word, helping someone in need, or sharing our testimony. By combining prayer with action, we can effectively minister to those around us and fulfill our calling to be the light of the world. [52:42]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Think of a place or situation where you feel uncomfortable or judged. How can you engage with this environment through prayer and action to bring the love of Jesus to those who need it?
### Day 4: Leading Through Decision and Discipleship
Our lives should be focused on leading people to make a decision for Christ and then walking with them through discipleship. This dual focus ensures that new believers grow in their faith and become mature disciples who can, in turn, lead others. Leading someone to Christ is just the beginning; the real work begins in helping them grow and mature in their faith. This involves teaching, mentoring, and providing support as they navigate their new life in Christ.
Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires commitment and dedication. It means being available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer encouragement. By investing in the spiritual growth of others, we help build a strong, vibrant community of believers who can impact the world for Christ. This process of decision and discipleship is essential for the health and growth of the church. [59:52]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who has recently made a decision for Christ. How can you support and mentor them in their journey of discipleship?
### Day 5: Prioritizing Kairos Moments
We must prioritize divine moments (Kairos) over our busy schedules (Kronos). These are the moments when God opens doors for ministry, and we must be ready to step through them. By focusing on these divine opportunities, we can truly live out our calling to be the salt and light of the world. Kairos moments are those times when God intervenes in our lives in a special way, providing opportunities for significant impact. Recognizing and prioritizing these moments requires us to be attuned to the Holy Spirit and willing to adjust our plans.
Often, our busy schedules can cause us to miss these divine opportunities. By being intentional about seeking and responding to Kairos moments, we can ensure that we are making the most of the time God has given us. This might mean pausing our plans to help someone in need, taking time to pray with a friend, or sharing the gospel with a stranger. By prioritizing these moments, we allow God to work through us in powerful ways. [25:12]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily schedule. Are there areas where you can be more flexible to allow for Kairos moments? How can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Obedience opens doors. You don't have to do it. All you have to do is be obedient. God will open the door and he'll send the right people. You, yours may look like going to the grocery store. You may look like going to the grocery store. You may look like going to the grocery store and just slowing down long enough to take the time to hear what God's saying and to have those conversations in the grocery store or at work or at the park with your kids when the other parents are there and they're having a tough time." [46:33] (26 seconds)
2. "The most effective way to preach the gospel is with your life, with your everyday waking up, going to work, going to the store, going to the park life, that you live in such a way that your life is different, that you're radically transformed and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit." [48:04] (20 seconds)
3. "Jesus loves you. And he sent me. To get down in the pit with you. And leads you out like a good shepherd. This is not, hey, you can continue to live your life however you want. This is making a radical transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead." [54:39] (32 seconds)
4. "The solution is turn on the light. Because as we begin to do what we're called to do, with the light of His Word, with His presence, with the love that He said is shed abroad in our hearts, that's where life change happens. That's where people's lives are changed and transformed, and they'll never be the same." [58:21] (24 seconds)
5. "Jesus came knowing you were a sinner. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. So no matter what your past looks like, Jesus came for you. Knowing that we'll mess up, knowing that we're human and fallible, Jesus came and died for us." [01:10:03] (25 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Preach the gospel and make disciples. That's become the mantra, if you will, of the last few weeks. And Pastor Dawn kept saying, preach the gospel and make disciples. That's the command that Jesus gave all of us, to preach the gospel and to make disciples. And he went so far as to say, I'm not just talking to you 12 or to you 11, to you disciples here. I'm not just talking to you that are present. I'm talking to everyone that'll be called by my name." [48:04] (30 seconds)
2. "If we live with integrity, and character, and truth that comes from the Word of God, and if when we say something, they can count on it, and they know they can trust the messenger, then life transformation can happen because they're going to listen to what we have to say." [01:07:10] (19 seconds)
3. "If you're not bringing people that you know that you're reaching out to to the point of decision and discipleship, if I'm not bringing people that I know to the point of decision and discipleship, then I'm missing the bigger things. I'm focusing, majoring in the minors. And it's time to get our focus back on what's really important." [01:03:20] (35 seconds)
4. "We can't let chronos get in the way of kairos because kairos defines time in moments. Kairos defines time in life events, the birth of a child, your marriage, graduations. Kairos defines time in life change. Those moments when we stop to help someone who can't help themselves. Those moments when we show the love of Jesus to somebody who's been chewed out all day long. Those moments when we choose decision and discipleship over calendars and events." [01:26:56] (64 seconds)
5. "Jesus said they'll know you're Christians by the way you love one another. Do you think maybe part of the problem has been that the church can't even stop fighting amongst themselves? Can't even agree amongst themselves long enough? That somebody goes out to reach the lost the rest of the part of the church over here starts to rip them to shreds? But I pray as Jesus did that He'll keep us in unity." [01:13:39] (39 seconds)
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