Living Selflessly: Embracing Sacrifice for Christ's Mission
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound call to live a life of selflessness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. We began by confronting the harsh realities of poverty and the human responsibility to address it. Nelson Mandela's words remind us that poverty is not an accident but a man-made condition that can be eradicated through human action. This sets the stage for understanding the deeper spiritual call to action found in Matthew 16:24-27, where Jesus invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This is not merely a call to personal piety but a radical invitation to live for others, to give up our lives for the sake of Christ and His mission.
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28, is not just a directive for the original disciples but a mandate for all believers. It challenges us to move beyond a comfortable, consumer-driven faith to one that actively participates in God's mission. The Western church, in its quest for comfort, often loses sight of this mission, focusing instead on personal gain and entertainment. Yet, true life, as Jesus teaches, is found in giving up our lives for His sake and the sake of others.
We examined the life of Paul, who considered all his earthly achievements as worthless compared to the value of knowing Christ. This perspective challenges us to reassess our priorities and recognize that true joy and fulfillment come from living a life of love and service. The story of Jim Elliot, a missionary who gave his life for the gospel, serves as a powerful example of this truth. His sacrifice, and that of his fellow missionaries, led to the salvation of an entire tribe, illustrating the eternal impact of living for others.
As we reflect on our lives, we are reminded that our actions have eternal significance. Every act of love and kindness is a seed planted for eternity. We are called to be missionaries in our own contexts, to live out our faith authentically, and to love others selflessly. This is the essence of spiritual formation—being shaped into the image of Christ for the sake of others. Our lives are not just about personal transformation but about impacting the world around us with the love of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Selflessness and Sacrifice: Embracing the call to deny ourselves and take up our cross is central to following Jesus. This involves moving beyond personal comfort and actively participating in God's mission to love and serve others. [54:51]
- The Great Commission: The directive to make disciples of all nations is not just for the original disciples but for all believers. It challenges us to live beyond a consumer-driven faith and engage in God's mission. [58:22]
- True Joy and Fulfillment: Like Paul, we are called to consider our earthly achievements as worthless compared to the value of knowing Christ. True joy is found in living a life of love and service to others. [01:03:35]
- Eternal Impact: Our actions have eternal significance. Every act of love and kindness is a seed planted for eternity, and we are called to be missionaries in our own contexts, living out our faith authentically. [01:09:39]
- Spiritual Formation: Being shaped into the image of Christ is not just about personal transformation but about impacting the world around us with the love of Jesus. Our lives are meant to reflect Christ's love and engage others in receiving His love. [01:17:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:03:30] - The Reality of Poverty
- [00:07:15] - Jesus' Call to Selflessness
- [00:12:00] - The Great Commission
- [00:18:45] - The Western Church's Comfort
- [00:24:30] - Paul's Perspective on Achievements
- [00:30:00] - Jim Elliot's Sacrifice
- [00:36:15] - Eternal Significance of Our Actions
- [00:42:00] - Being Missionaries in Our Context
- [00:48:30] - Spiritual Formation for Others
- [00:54:00] - The Role of Love in Our Lives
- [01:00:15] - Henrietta Mears' Legacy
- [01:06:45] - Personal Reflections and Challenges
- [01:13:30] - Invitation to Action
- [01:20:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 16:24-27
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Philippians 3:7-9
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 16:24-27, what does Jesus say is required to be His follower? How does this relate to the concept of selflessness and sacrifice discussed in the sermon? [54:51]
2. According to the sermon, how does the Western church's focus on comfort and entertainment contrast with the call of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20? [58:22]
3. How does Paul describe his past achievements in Philippians 3:7-9, and what does he consider to be of true value? [01:03:35]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the eternal impact of living a life of love and service? [01:06:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" in the context of modern-day life? How can this be practically applied in our daily routines? [54:51]
2. How might the Western church's focus on comfort and entertainment hinder believers from fully engaging in the Great Commission? What changes could be made to align more closely with Jesus' mission? [58:22]
3. In what ways does Paul's perspective on his achievements challenge our own views on success and fulfillment? How can we shift our priorities to align with his example? [01:03:35]
4. How does the story of Jim Elliot and his fellow missionaries illustrate the concept of eternal significance in our actions? What lessons can we learn from their sacrifice? [01:06:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are holding onto comfort or personal gain instead of embracing selflessness and sacrifice? What steps can you take to change this? [54:51]
2. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission within your own community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the love of Jesus with others. [58:22]
3. Consider your current achievements and goals. How do they compare to the value of knowing Christ as described by Paul? What changes might you need to make to prioritize your relationship with Jesus? [01:03:35]
4. Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to show love and kindness. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to ensure your actions have an eternal impact? [01:09:39]
5. Identify a person or group in your life who might be in need of love and service. What practical steps can you take to reach out to them and demonstrate Christ's love? [01:17:15]
6. Reflect on the story of Jim Elliot. Is there a cause or mission you feel called to support, even if it requires personal sacrifice? How can you begin to engage with that mission this week? [01:06:01]
7. How can you incorporate the principles of spiritual formation into your daily life to ensure you are being shaped into the image of Christ for the sake of others? [01:17:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Selflessness and Sacrifice
In a world that often prioritizes personal comfort and gain, the call to selflessness and sacrifice stands as a radical invitation to live for others. Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24-27 challenge believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This is not merely about personal piety but about actively participating in God's mission to love and serve others. The call to selflessness is a call to move beyond our comfort zones and engage in acts of love and service that reflect the heart of Christ. [54:51]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can practice selflessness today. How can you intentionally serve someone else, even if it requires personal sacrifice?
Day 2: Living the Great Commission
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28, is a mandate for all believers to make disciples of all nations. This directive challenges us to move beyond a consumer-driven faith and engage in God's mission. The Western church often struggles with this, focusing on personal gain and entertainment rather than the mission of Christ. Yet, true life is found in giving up our lives for His sake and the sake of others. This call invites us to be active participants in spreading the gospel and living out our faith authentically. [58:22]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Consider your daily interactions. How can you intentionally share the love of Christ with someone who may not know Him yet?
Day 3: Finding True Joy and Fulfillment
The life of Paul serves as a powerful example of finding true joy and fulfillment in Christ. He considered all his earthly achievements as worthless compared to the value of knowing Christ. This perspective challenges us to reassess our priorities and recognize that true joy comes from living a life of love and service to others. By shifting our focus from personal achievements to knowing and serving Christ, we discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. [01:03:35]
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. What is one area where you can shift your focus from personal achievement to serving others in love?
Day 4: Understanding the Eternal Impact of Our Actions
Every act of love and kindness is a seed planted for eternity. Our actions have eternal significance, and we are called to be missionaries in our own contexts, living out our faith authentically. The story of Jim Elliot, who gave his life for the gospel, illustrates the eternal impact of living for others. His sacrifice led to the salvation of an entire tribe, reminding us that our lives are meant to reflect Christ's love and engage others in receiving His love. [01:09:39]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Think of a recent act of kindness you performed. How can you continue to plant seeds of love and kindness in your daily life?
Day 5: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Others
Spiritual formation is not just about personal transformation but about impacting the world around us with the love of Jesus. Being shaped into the image of Christ involves reflecting His love and engaging others in receiving His love. Our lives are meant to be a testament to the transformative power of Christ, inviting others to experience His love and grace. This call to spiritual formation challenges us to live out our faith in a way that impacts those around us. [01:17:15]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow your spiritual growth to impact those around you? How can you intentionally reflect Christ's love in your interactions today?
Quotes
In Matthew chapter 16, verse 24 through 27, Jesus says these words, If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your faith, to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? [00:54:14] (42 seconds)
We've been in a series for quite a bit longer than we expected to be actually on missions and the Great Commission and how in Matthew 28, the words that Jesus says to his disciples after his resurrection is that they are supposed to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey his command. And Jesus promises that he will be with all of us who do that. [00:55:07] (33 seconds)
Much of the Western church, and I'll be honest, like I hesitate to even be this strong because I don't want to be this strong. I don't want to be this strong because I don't think that it's most Christians' fault. I think it's the way that the church has, over the last few generations, or I don't even know how long, has started to mold us into this idea that coming into faith should be as simple as possible because it's a free gift. And that's true. It is a free gift. There's nothing we can do to earn it. It's a beautiful gift of grace. [00:56:26] (33 seconds)
But the reality is what good is it for us to gain the whole world, to be entertained to death, to have all the money in the world, to have all the friends and popularity, to have all the power, but to lose our very souls in the pursuit of self. But the reality is that Jesus says the real way to find your life is to give it up, to give it up for his sake, to give it up for the sake of others. [00:57:26] (33 seconds)
I grew up in South Africa. I grew up in South Africa. I grew up in South Africa. I grew up in South Africa. I grew up in South Africa as a young child, and I remember always hearing about this American dream. And it's great. It's the pursuit of happiness. It's an awesome thing that we have the right to pursue happiness. And I believe that that is part of the heart of God, right? The joy is found in his presence. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be full of joy, but somehow our view of happiness has become really distorted to be all about us. [00:58:20] (32 seconds)
If you want to turn with me to Philippians 3, verses 7 through 9, Paul has just gone through a list of all of the amazing accolades that he has about himself, his life, and how he was literally the best of the best, the highest scholar of Pharisee, he had all of these amazing things, he kept the law perfectly according to him, but then in verse 7 he says, I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage so that I could gain Christ. And become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law, rather I become righteous through faith in Christ. [00:59:50] (70 seconds)
I think there's so many Christians who are seeking out this abundant life, like how do I get this abundant life? What am I going to do? Am I going to pray a better prayer? Do I got to go to church more? What do I have to do? And the reality is that Jesus says that when we give up our lives, he gives us abundant life. When we give up the pursuit of what we think is right or will make us righteous, what we think is right, we give up what we think is good and comfortable. [01:02:27] (24 seconds)
The examples of losing our life, if to save our life is the pursuit of self, to lose our life is the pursuit of what Jesus has and the pursuit of loving others. With the kind of love that Jesus loves us with. You know, you hear about missionaries who give up everything to go and preach the gospel. Now that might not be your calling, but you are a missionary here. You are a missionary in your own home. [01:03:35] (33 seconds)
Jim Elliot famously said, He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. The reality is that our lives speak into eternity. Our lives right now, what we do with our lives right now, doesn't just matter for today. It doesn't just matter for this lifetime. It actually carries on into eternity. Everything we do for the sake of the gospel. Every time we choose to love someone, to see someone, to give somebody some food, to give somebody a hug. Every time we choose to express the love of Jesus in the world around us, it speaks, it echoes into eternity. [01:08:31] (47 seconds)
Spiritual formation is just how do we be formed, molded to be more like Jesus? And he says, Dr. Robert Mulholland says that spiritual formation is not just about personal piety, so being reverent and revering God. It's not just about individual transformation. It's about being shaped into the image of Christ for the sake of others. For the sake of others. [01:18:22] (27 seconds)
Love is not just an emotion. It's a commitment to act. It's a commitment to action. It's a commitment to get up out of our seats and go find someone to be the object, to be the one that we get to show the love of Jesus to. It's not just about discipleship. It's not just about becoming more like Jesus so that I look more like Jesus. Really looking like Jesus means loving the way that he did. [01:19:54] (35 seconds)
I want you to leave here today inspired that we are making a difference. And we can make a difference. And if you will choose today to lay down your life for the sake of Jesus and his mission, and his mission is people. If you will choose to do that today, I can promise you, you won't be depressed anymore. You're going to be inspired and encouraged because you will start to see that your life speaks. Your life makes a difference. [01:30:30] (32 seconds)
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