Living Transformed: The Power of the Gospel

 

Summary

In this Easter season, we gather to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Communion serves as a moment to pause and remember the work of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, offering us forgiveness and new life. This is a time for believers to unite in remembrance, regardless of church membership, as we celebrate the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not merely a message of salvation but a call to live a life transformed by Christ. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15, the gospel is the foundation upon which we stand, and it is by this gospel that we are being saved. It is a message that speaks to our daily lives, urging us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, as Paul writes in Philippians. This means living consistently in faith, not just during religious gatherings but in every aspect of our lives.

The gospel calls us to unity and selflessness within the body of Christ. We are encouraged to stand firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith, and to consider others more significant than ourselves. This unity and selflessness are not natural to us, but through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live out this calling.

Moreover, the gospel serves as a sign to unbelievers, revealing the reality of life without God and the hope found in Christ. It also provides believers with confidence in their salvation, as the transformation in our lives is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. This transformation is not without cost, as following Christ often involves suffering. Yet, the promise of eternal glory far outweighs any temporary afflictions we may face.

As we reflect on Christ's humility and sacrifice, we are reminded that Jesus entered Jerusalem not to claim an earthly throne but to go to the cross. He took upon Himself the weight of our sins, offering us reconciliation with God. This magnificent love should transform how we live, interact with others, and proclaim the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gospel's Transformative Power: The gospel is not just about salvation but about living a life transformed by Christ. It calls us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, affecting every aspect of our lives, not just our religious experiences. [55:38]

2. Unity and Selflessness in the Body of Christ: The gospel calls us to unity and selflessness, urging us to consider others more significant than ourselves. This unity is essential for a healthy church and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. [01:16:11]

3. The Gospel as a Sign to Unbelievers: Our transformed lives serve as a sign to unbelievers, revealing the reality of life without God and the hope found in Christ. This transformation also provides believers with confidence in their salvation. [01:06:10]

4. The Cost of Following Christ: Following Christ often involves suffering, but the promise of eternal glory far outweighs any temporary afflictions. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and joy. [01:10:35]

5. Christ's Humility and Sacrifice: Jesus entered Jerusalem to go to the cross, taking upon Himself the weight of our sins. His humility and sacrifice should transform how we live, interact with others, and proclaim the gospel. [01:20:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05] - Significance of Communion
- [00:45] - Open Communion Invitation
- [01:30] - Reading of God's Word
- [02:15] - Prayer for Transformation
- [03:00] - Reflection on Palm Sunday
- [04:00] - The Gospel's Definition
- [05:30] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
- [06:45] - Consistency in Faith
- [08:00] - Unity in the Body of Christ
- [09:30] - The Gospel's Impact on Unbelievers
- [11:00] - Assurance of Salvation
- [12:30] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [14:00] - Christ's Humility and Sacrifice
- [16:00] - Invitation to Respond

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
- Philippians 1:27-30
- Philippians 2:5-8

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, what are the key elements of the gospel that Paul emphasizes? How do these elements relate to the Easter season? [49:42]

2. In Philippians 1:27, Paul instructs believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. What specific behaviors does he mention that demonstrate this kind of living? [55:38]

3. How does Philippians 2:5-8 describe the humility and sacrifice of Christ? What actions did Jesus take that exemplify this humility? [01:20:51]

4. The sermon mentioned the concept of "open communion." What does this mean, and why is it significant for believers during the Easter season? [49:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the gospel serve as both a message of salvation and a call to live a transformed life, according to the sermon and Philippians 1:27? [55:38]

2. In what ways does the unity and selflessness described in Philippians 2:1-4 challenge the natural tendencies of individuals within the church? [01:16:11]

3. The sermon discussed the cost of following Christ, including suffering. How does this perspective align with the promise of eternal glory mentioned in Philippians 1:29-30? [01:10:35]

4. How does the transformation in believers' lives serve as a sign to unbelievers, as discussed in the sermon? What impact does this have on the confidence of believers in their salvation? [01:06:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily life. In what specific ways can you live in a manner worthy of the gospel, as Paul instructs in Philippians 1:27? Consider both your personal and professional interactions. [55:38]

2. Think about a recent situation where you prioritized your own interests over others. How can you apply the call to selflessness and unity from Philippians 2:3-4 in similar situations in the future? [01:16:11]

3. The sermon highlighted the importance of consistency in faith. How can you ensure that your faith is evident not just during church gatherings but in every aspect of your life? [55:38]

4. Consider a time when you faced suffering or hardship. How can the promise of eternal glory help you endure such challenges with hope and joy? [01:10:35]

5. Reflect on the humility and sacrifice of Christ as described in Philippians 2:5-8. How can this example influence the way you interact with others, especially those who may be difficult to love? [01:20:51]

6. The sermon mentioned the gospel as a sign to unbelievers. How can your transformed life be a testimony to those around you who do not yet know Christ? [01:06:10]

7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to let go of self-interest. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize the interests of others, following the example of Christ? [01:16:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Living a Life Transformed by Christ
The gospel is not just a message of salvation; it is a call to live a life transformed by Christ. This transformation affects every aspect of our lives, urging us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. It is not limited to religious gatherings but extends to our daily interactions, decisions, and attitudes. The gospel challenges us to embody the teachings of Christ in all we do, reflecting His love, grace, and truth. As we embrace this transformation, we become living testimonies of the power of the gospel, demonstrating its impact on our lives. [55:38]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to live out the gospel. What practical steps can you take today to align this area with the teachings of Christ?


Day 2: Unity and Selflessness in the Body of Christ
The gospel calls us to unity and selflessness within the body of Christ. It urges us to consider others more significant than ourselves, fostering a spirit of humility and cooperation. This unity is essential for a healthy church and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to stand firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith. This requires us to set aside personal agendas and embrace a collective vision for the kingdom of God. Through the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to live out this calling, reflecting the unity and love of Christ to the world. [01:16:11]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or disagreement within your church community. How can you contribute to resolving it and promoting unity and selflessness?


Day 3: The Gospel as a Sign to Unbelievers
Our transformed lives serve as a sign to unbelievers, revealing the reality of life without God and the hope found in Christ. The gospel provides believers with confidence in their salvation, as the transformation in our lives is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work. This transformation is not just for our benefit but also serves as a testimony to those who do not yet know Christ. As we live out the gospel, we become beacons of hope, pointing others to the truth and love of Jesus. Our lives should reflect the joy, peace, and purpose that come from a relationship with Him. [01:06:10]

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 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: Consider how your daily actions and attitudes might be perceived by those who do not know Christ. What changes can you make to ensure your life is a clear and compelling sign of the gospel?


Day 4: The Cost of Following Christ
Following Christ often involves suffering, but the promise of eternal glory far outweighs any temporary afflictions. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and joy, knowing that our present struggles are not in vain. The gospel calls us to take up our cross and follow Jesus, embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with discipleship. As we persevere through trials, we are reminded of the eternal reward that awaits us, strengthening our resolve to remain faithful to Christ. Our suffering becomes a testament to the depth of our commitment and the reality of our hope in Him. [01:10:35]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or hardship you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity to deepen your faith and reliance on Christ?


Day 5: Christ's Humility and Sacrifice
Jesus entered Jerusalem not to claim an earthly throne but to go to the cross, taking upon Himself the weight of our sins. His humility and sacrifice should transform how we live, interact with others, and proclaim the gospel. As we reflect on Christ's example, we are called to embody His humility and selflessness in our own lives. This means prioritizing the needs of others, serving with a heart of compassion, and sharing the message of salvation with boldness and love. Christ's sacrifice compels us to live in a way that honors His name and advances His kingdom. [01:20:51]

Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate Christ-like humility and sacrifice in your relationships and daily interactions this week?

Quotes

"I could have the elders come up. You know, communion is something that we do often here at Covenant Church, but has a special significance, especially since we're in this Easter season. I appreciate what John brought up in the week, this holy week, starting with Palm Sunday leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Really, what we're celebrating is the sacrifice of our Savior, not only the sacrifice of our Savior, but his resurrection from the dead and the forgiveness of sin that we have received because of the work that he has done." [00:41:32]

"Here at Covenant Church, we celebrate what we call open communion. What we mean by that is you do not need to be a member of Covenant Church. This does not even need to be your church home. All we ask is that if you are a fellow brother and sister in Christ, that you would take this with us. If you don't know Christ, all we ask is that you let the plate pass. There won't be any shame. No one's going to look at you or point you out. But this is a time for those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus to together remember what Jesus has done for us." [00:42:49]

"Paul says this, Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importness what I received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures." [00:50:43]

"You see, as we enter into this Easter season, what better thing for us to talk about than ultimately the good news of Jesus. What is this gospel? What is this good news? Well, he says it right there. Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. You see, that good news of the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins and rose again for our redemption as God had promised in his word." [00:51:21]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. So whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw that I had and now hear that I still have." [00:53:49]

"Romans six, verse eight, Paul would say this. Now, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again. Death no longer has dominion over him for the death that he died. He died to sin once for all, but the life that he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." [00:55:55]

"But you see, not only do we see change and not only do we see consistency, but then we also see an example for not only unbelievers, but ourselves as well. Look what it says. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation in that from God. I love this part right here. First, who are the them that this is talking about? These are the unsaved." [01:00:18]

"These are the unbelievers who see our new life and it reveals to them that they are without God and not only that they are apart from God, but it can also show them of the destruction that comes when somebody lives apart from a relationship with God. I don't want this to seem angry or judgy or mean, understand something. For each and every one of us that have put our faith in Christ, we realize that we are apart from God and because we were living in our sin, that our apartness from God was leading us to hell." [01:00:55]

"Paul loved Jesus. Paul was a sold out proponent and proclaimer of the gospel of Christ. And guess what? Paul suffered and he is telling the people he's writing to, hey, not only is this applicable to me, but for for anybody who devotes their life to live a life that's glorifying to God, you can expect to suffer as well. And you know what? This isn't only a promise that we see from Paul. This is a promise that we see from Christ." [01:11:59]

"That's why the Apostle Paul could say about these sufferings, what did he say? These light, momentary afflictions pale in comparison to the weight that we receive in glory. Think about this real quick. If you were to come up to me and say the things you struggle with, and I say that light, momentary affliction you're dealing with, you might hit me." [01:12:15]

"Understand something. that the terribleness of the cross was just not the pain on the cross. Why do I say that? Because there were many martyrs that came after Christ that that praise God and saying to God as they as they walked to their deaths. They saying to God as they were being burned alive. Why? Because of what Christ had done for them. What did Christ do for them? On that cross, he took upon himself all of the consequences and the wrath of God for our sin." [01:19:08]

"So that not only we would be given a clean slate before God, but we could be reconciled with God and adopted into his family. That is what ultimately took place when Jesus entered into Jerusalem heading to the hill of Calvary. You know, there's no probably better look at what Christ endured for us than from the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 53. We see it in verse 2." [01:19:54]

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Transcript
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