Living Out the Gospel: Love in Action
Summary
In my sermon, I explored the profound nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the transformative power of living out the gospel through actions rooted in love. I began by discussing the importance of understanding our identity as followers of Christ, which is visibly demonstrated through our actions, much like a tree is identified by its fruit. This analogy, drawn from the teachings of Dr. William Barclay, set the stage for a deeper reflection on the authenticity of our faith.
I then delved into the scriptural basis for our call to love, referencing 1 John 3:16-24. Here, the apostle John articulates that true love is not merely in word or speech but in truth and action. This passage challenges us to embody the love of Christ by actively helping those in need and living out the commandments of God, which fundamentally call us to love one another.
The sermon also addressed the dichotomy between claiming to be a follower of Jesus and actually living according to His teachings. I stressed the importance of consistency between our words and our actions. If we claim the name of Jesus but do not follow His commandments, we are urged to realign our lives with the gospel.
Further, I used the metaphor of a dog and its handler to illustrate our relationship with God's love. Just as a dog handler shows patience and care, we are called to exhibit the same unconditional love towards others, especially those who may be difficult to love. This metaphor served to remind us of the patience required in discipleship and the transformative potential of persistent, Christ-like love.
Towards the end of the sermon, I emphasized the daily choice we face: to live in accordance with the gospel or contrary to it. This choice impacts not only our spiritual growth but also our ability to witness to others through our lives. The sermon concluded with a call to reflect on how we can better embody the love of Christ in our daily interactions and to commit to being active participants in the mission of making disciples.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Fruits of Our Faith - Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our faith is evident through our actions. If our lives do not reflect the love and teachings of Jesus, then our claim to be His followers is in question. This calls for a deep introspection about the authenticity of our faith and a commitment to align our actions with the teachings of Christ. [36:53]
2. Living the Commandments of Love - John's letters remind us that the essence of living under God's command is rooted in love — a love that is active and tangible. This love is demonstrated through our willingness to help those in need and to lay down our lives for others, just as Christ did for us. This is the true measure of our discipleship. [35:00]
3. The Daily Choice of Discipleship - Each day, we face a decision: to live in line with the gospel or contrary to it. This choice is fundamental to our identity as Christians and affects how we interact with the world. Choosing to live the gospel daily allows us to be genuine witnesses of Christ's love. [50:37]
4. Transformation Through Persistent Love - The metaphor of the dog and its handler illustrates how persistent love can transform even the most hardened hearts. As followers of Christ, we are called to show this persistent, unconditional love to everyone, reflecting God's grace and facilitating spiritual transformation in others. [45:21]
5. Advocacy Through Action - Our actions as Christians should advocate for the love and grace of Jesus. When we live out the gospel, we provide a living testimony to the truth of God's love, which can draw others closer to Him. This advocacy through action is crucial in fulfilling our mission as disciples. [54:42]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
20:07 - Introduction and Guest Acknowledgment
33:18 - Scripture Reading and Reflection
36:09 - The Fruits of Our Faith
38:51 - Claiming and Living as a Follower of Christ
44:45 - Metaphor of the Dog and Handler
49:16 - The Impact of Love and Hatred
52:28 - God's Judgment and Our Intentions
56:43 - Closing Reflection and Call to Action
01:08:02 - Final Thoughts and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 John 3:16-24
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 3:16, how do we know what true love looks like?
2. What does 1 John 3:17 say about someone who has material possessions but does not help a brother or sister in need?
3. In the sermon, what metaphor was used to illustrate the relationship between God's love and our actions? ([44:45])
4. What daily choice does the pastor emphasize as crucial for our spiritual growth and witness? ([50:37])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of a tree and its fruit help us understand the authenticity of our faith? ([36:09])
2. What does it mean to love "not in word or speech, but in truth and action" as stated in 1 John 3:18?
3. How can the metaphor of the dog and its handler be applied to our relationships with others, especially those who are difficult to love? ([44:45])
4. What are the implications of choosing to live in accordance with the gospel daily, as discussed in the sermon? ([50:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do your actions consistently reflect the love and teachings of Jesus? If not, what specific changes can you make to align your actions with your faith? ([36:53])
2. Think of a time when you helped someone in need. How did that experience impact your understanding of living out the commandments of love? ([35:00])
3. Identify a person in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them persistent, Christ-like love this week, similar to the dog handler's patience? ([44:45])
4. Each day, we face the choice to live in line with the gospel or contrary to it. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are making the right choice daily? ([50:37])
5. How can your actions serve as a living testimony to the truth of God's love? Think of one specific way you can advocate for Jesus' love through your actions this week. ([54:42])
6. Reflect on a recent interaction where your actions did not align with your claim to be a follower of Jesus. What can you learn from that experience, and how can you improve in future interactions? ([38:12])
7. How can you hold yourself and others in your small group accountable to live out the love of Christ in your daily lives? ([56:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Faith Bears Fruit
Our actions are the fruits that reveal the true nature of our faith. Just as a tree is identified by its fruit, our Christian life is evidenced by our deeds. If our lives do not reflect the love and teachings of Jesus, then our claim to be His followers is in question. This calls for a deep introspection about the authenticity of our faith and a commitment to align our actions with the teachings of Christ. This reflection is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but actively doing good, showing kindness, and living out the gospel in every interaction. [36:53]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: How does your daily life demonstrate the fruits of a genuine faith in Christ?
Day 2: Commandments Rooted in Love
The essence of God's commandments is love—a love that is active and tangible. This love is demonstrated through our willingness to help those in need and to lay down our lives for others, just as Christ did for us. It's about moving beyond words and embodying love in every action. This is the true measure of our discipleship, where faith translates into practical, loving actions that meet the needs of others and spread the love of Christ effectively. [35:00]
1 John 3:18-19 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show Christ's love through action this week?
Day 3: Choosing Daily Discipleship
Each day presents a new decision: to live in line with the gospel or contrary to it. This choice is fundamental to our identity as Christians and affects how we interact with the world. Choosing to live the gospel daily allows us to be genuine witnesses of Christ's love. It's about making conscious choices that align with God's will, thereby influencing our surroundings positively and authentically. [50:37]
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: Today, what specific choice can you make to live more fully in accordance with the gospel?
Day 4: Transformation Through Persistent Love
The metaphor of the dog and its handler illustrates how persistent love can transform even the most hardened hearts. As followers of Christ, we are called to show this persistent, unconditional love to everyone, reflecting God's grace and facilitating spiritual transformation in others. This type of love requires patience, understanding, and a heart that mirrors the love of Christ, even in challenging circumstances. [45:21]
Titus 3:4-5 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience Christ's persistent love through you, and how can you begin to show it?
Day 5: Advocacy Through Action
Our actions as Christians should advocate for the love and grace of Jesus. When we live out the gospel, we provide a living testimony to the truth of God's love, which can draw others closer to Him. This advocacy through action is crucial in fulfilling our mission as disciples. It's about being a visible, active presence in the world that champions the cause of Christ through every word and deed. [54:42]
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: How can your actions this week advocate for Christ and draw others closer to Him?
Quotes
"As followers of Jesus Christ, we can distribute the love of Christ by our actions and deeds. And if our actions and deeds show others what they are, contrary to the love of Christ, then maybe with that constant affection, that constant agape type love that we share and share and share, then we can make an impact on their lives." [50:37]
"We have a choice to get in. To be active followers of Jesus Christ. And to go and make disciples, as we've been commissioned to do. And to love those that we encounter as we're making disciples. Or we can be contrary and live in direct disobedience to the command of Jesus Christ." [50:37]
"Simply, if we are trying with true intent to live out the gospel and to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ, God knows. Thomas Akempis, a Christian theologian in the 1400s, wrote, man sees the deed, but God knows the intention." [52:28]
"If you left this night and went out into the world and to live your life, would others truly know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ because of your actions and deeds and the love that is being shared, or would they not?" [54:42]
"Laying down one's life for their brother and sister in Christ is simply this, the willingness to surrender that which has value for our own life to enrich the life of another." [56:43]
"Are you the dog or are you the dog trainer? Sometimes we might be like the dog. Who are unsure, maybe in a place of not feeling that love or maybe not wanting to be accepting that there is actually someone and a being, God, above all that wants to love you, that does love you." [01:08:02]
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