Living the Red Letters: Transformative Discipleship in Christ
Summary
In our journey as followers of Christ, we embark on a transformative series titled "Red Letter Church," focusing on the very words of Jesus—the red letters in our Bibles. These words are not merely to be read or heard; they are to be lived out, shaping our lives and molding us into the image of Christ. As we delve into this series, it is my earnest prayer that we develop a habit of studying Jesus' words and allowing them to guide our actions and decisions.
We often start with good intentions in various aspects of our lives, whether it's dieting, exercising, or spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible. However, despite our best intentions, we sometimes fall short. This is not unlike our spiritual walk, where we aim to live out the teachings of Jesus but often find ourselves settling for less than what God has in store for us. We must recognize that God has great plans for us, and it is our responsibility to align our lives with His will.
Jesus calls us to be His disciples, to represent Him in this world. This is not a burden but the greatest opportunity we have been given. To be effective disciples, we must not only read God's word but also put it into practice. Over the next several weeks, we will focus on five key principles that Jesus emphasizes: being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going. These principles encapsulate the essence of Jesus' teachings and provide us with clear targets to aim for in our spiritual journey.
Communion is a practice Jesus instructed us to do in remembrance of Him. As we partake in communion, let us reflect on the significance of this act and the importance of following Jesus' instructions. We must invite Jesus into our experience and not attempt to follow His words without His presence. Additionally, we must invite others to join us in this red-letter experience, recognizing the value of community in our spiritual growth.
As we strive to change the image of Christianity that is often portrayed in our culture, we must be intentional about who we worship and how we live out our faith. We cannot be content with being spectators; we must actively participate in fulfilling Jesus' mission to make disciples. By focusing on the red letters of Jesus, we can ensure that we are aiming at the right targets and truly representing the real Jesus to the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The words of Jesus are not just for reading; they are directives for living. As we study the red letters, we must allow them to transform us from the inside out, leading us to a life that reflects the heart of Christ. This transformation is not instantaneous but a lifelong journey of obedience and growth. [01:19:15]
- Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching. To truly represent Him, we must grasp the depth of God's grace. This understanding enables us to extend forgiveness to ourselves and others, breaking the chains of resentment and bitterness that hinder our witness. [01:20:55]
- Service is a natural response to our relationship with Jesus. As we grow in our understanding of His love and forgiveness, we are compelled to serve others. This service is not out of obligation but out of a heart transformed by Christ's example of selfless love. [01:21:29]
- Generosity is a hallmark of a follower of Jesus. The teachings of Jesus make it clear that our attitude towards money and possessions should reflect the generosity of God's kingdom. As we give, we demonstrate the reality of our faith and the generosity of the God we serve. [01:22:04]
- The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a command. As followers of Jesus, we are called to go and share the good news with others. This going is not limited to distant lands but includes our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. We are Jesus' mouthpiece, and through us, His message of hope and salvation is to be proclaimed. [01:23:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Red Letter Church"
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:24-27 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
2. Matthew 9:37 - "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.'"
3. Luke 11:28 - "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Jesus use in Matthew 7:24-27 to describe those who hear and act on His words versus those who do not?
2. According to Matthew 9:37, what does Jesus say about the state of the harvest and the workers?
3. In Luke 11:28, what does Jesus say about those who hear and obey the word of God?
4. How does the sermon describe the common issue with good intentions in our spiritual walk? ([53:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to build your house on the rock versus the sand in the context of following Jesus' teachings? How does this apply to our daily lives?
2. How can we understand the "harvest" and the "workers" in Matthew 9:37 in the context of our church community and personal ministry? ([01:00:56])
3. Why is it significant that Jesus emphasizes both hearing and obeying the word of God in Luke 11:28? How does this challenge our current practices?
4. The sermon mentions that despite good intentions, we often fall short in our spiritual disciplines. What are some practical steps we can take to align our actions with our intentions? ([53:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had good intentions in your spiritual walk but fell short. What were the obstacles, and how can you overcome them in the future? ([53:22])
2. Jesus calls us to be His disciples and to represent Him in the world. What specific actions can you take this week to better represent Jesus in your community? ([01:19:15])
3. Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take a step towards that this week? ([01:20:55])
4. Service is a natural response to our relationship with Jesus. Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week. What steps will you take to make it happen? ([01:21:29])
5. Generosity reflects the kingdom of God. How can you practice generosity in your life this week, whether through time, resources, or encouragement? ([01:22:04])
6. The Great Commission calls us to go and share the good news. Who is one person you can share your faith with this week, and how will you approach the conversation? ([01:23:51])
7. Communion is a practice of remembering Jesus. How can you make your next communion experience more meaningful by reflecting on Jesus' words and actions? ([01:23:14])
This guide aims to help your small group delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus and apply them practically in their lives. May your discussions be fruitful and transformative.
Devotional
Day 1: Living the Words of Christ
Transformation through Christ begins not with grand gestures but with the daily decision to live according to His teachings. The red letters in the Bible are not just historical artifacts; they are the living words of Jesus, meant to be applied in every aspect of life. This application is a process, a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to be molded by the hands of the Creator. As individuals immerse themselves in the words of Jesus, they should expect to encounter challenges and moments of profound change. These words are not passive; they are active, pushing believers towards a life that mirrors the compassion, humility, and love that Jesus exemplified. It is in the quiet moments of reflection and the active moments of decision-making that the words of Jesus can truly take root and flourish within one's life [07:40].
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." - Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out Jesus' teachings today that you have been neglecting?
Day 2: Embracing Forgiveness Fully
Forgiveness is not an optional extra in the Christian life; it is a fundamental expression of God's grace that must be extended to oneself and to others. Understanding the depth of God's forgiveness towards us is transformative, freeing us from the chains of resentment and bitterness. This freedom is not just for the benefit of personal peace but is a powerful testimony to the world of the love and grace found in Christ. As believers practice forgiveness, they reflect the heart of God, who forgave much so that they could live in the fullness of His grace. This practice is not always easy, but it is always necessary for the journey towards spiritual maturity and effective witness [07:40].
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13 ESV
Reflection: Who is someone you need to forgive, and what steps can you take today to move towards forgiveness?
Day 3: Serving with Christ's Love
Service in the kingdom of God is not about fulfilling an obligation or earning favor; it is a natural outpouring of a heart transformed by the love of Jesus. When one truly grasps the magnitude of Christ's selfless sacrifice, serving others becomes a joy rather than a burden. This service is an expression of gratitude, a way to emulate the servant leadership that Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry. It is through acts of service that believers can tangibly show the love of Christ to those around them, breaking down barriers and building bridges in His name. Let service be a reflection of the inner work that Christ is doing in every believer's heart [07:40].
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:13 ESV
Reflection: What is one act of service you can perform this week as a response to Christ's love for you?
Day 4: Generosity as a Way of Life
Generosity is a defining characteristic of those who follow Jesus. It is a response to the incredible generosity of God, who gave His only Son for the salvation of the world. The teachings of Jesus challenge believers to view their resources—time, talents, and treasures—as tools for advancing God's kingdom. This perspective shift is not about the amount given but the heart behind the giving. Generosity is a testament to the faith one has in God's provision and a declaration that material possessions do not hold sway over one's life. As believers give, they align themselves with the generous heart of God and become conduits of His blessings to others [07:40].
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38 ESV
Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity today, and what is one specific way you can give to someone in need?
Day 5: Going and Making Disciples
The Great Commission is a clear and compelling mandate for all who call themselves disciples of Jesus. It is not merely a suggestion but a command to be actively engaged in sharing the good news of the gospel. This mission field is not limited to far-off lands; it includes the everyday spaces where life happens—neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Being a mouthpiece for Jesus means being intentional about sharing His message of hope and salvation with those who cross one's path. It is through this obedience to go and make disciples that the love and truth of Jesus are spread throughout the world [07:40].
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15 ESV
Reflection: What is one opportunity you have today to share the message of Jesus with someone, and how will you approach it?
Quotes
1) "We have to face the reality that at least in some cases, if not in a lot of cases, we have the best of intentions but we may not be portraying the best picture of who Jesus is." [01:05:26] (Download)
2) "Jesus has called us to be his disciples, we get the opportunity and privilege to represent him. I believe that following Jesus is not a burden but the single greatest opportunity that we've been given." [01:19:50] (Download)
3) "To truly represent Jesus in this world, we have to have a great understanding of God's grace so that we can extend that to others in our lives." [01:20:55] (Download)
4) "After spending time with him and learning about his forgiveness, we find ourselves as a result motivated to do something with it, we find ourselves looking to serve." [01:21:29] (Download)
5) "Followers of Jesus are generous and finally there's the principle of going. It is no coincidence that many of Jesus's last words in each of his gospels and even the last command he gives in the book of Acts centers on the fact that Jesus followers are to go and tell others of the good news." [01:22:04] (Download)
6) "If Jesus is known for Grace which is getting a free gift that we don't deserve and we are known for judgment which is getting what we do deserve then somewhere along the way we have miserably failed." [01:06:35] (Download)
7) "We are called to bring people close to Jesus by how we live and somehow people are still rejecting Christianity and probably in the worst cases they're not even taking notice of Jesus." [01:07:42] (Download)
8) "What if we as followers of Jesus actually took the words of Jesus and put them into practice? What if we just took the words of Jesus and we did what Jesus said?" [01:15:56] (Download)
9) "Jesus says in Luke 11:28 blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and Obey it." [01:19:15] (Download)
10) "We must learn to give everything that we can towards changing the image that we give of Jesus. We don't just want to change the story that we tell of Jesus, we have to change it." [01:08:19] (Download)
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