Living with Grace: Legacy, Character, and Faith
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor discussing the concept of living as both a sinner and a saint, emphasizing the struggle within each person to be who God wants them to be. He urges the congregation to live a life that reflects their faith, and highlights the importance of God's grace and mercy in this process. The pastor then shares a story about three men discussing what they would want people to say about them at their funeral, emphasizing the importance of planning with the end in mind and imagining what people will say at our own funerals. He encourages the congregation to reflect on their lives and the legacy they want to leave behind.
The pastor then addresses the idea of how we would like to be remembered after we die. He acknowledges the gap between what others might say about us and what we would like to be said. However, he offers hope by emphasizing that our past mistakes or actions do not have to define us. He quotes from Ephesians 2:8-10, highlighting the concept of salvation by God's grace and not by our own works. He also clarifies that when we die, we do not become angels, but rather, becoming a Christian means transferring our trust to Jesus and allowing Him to give us new life.
The pastor then focuses on a passage from the book of Romans, specifically chapter 16. He highlights the importance of unity within the church and warns against those who cause division and disrupt people's faith. He also draws attention to the greetings Paul sends to various individuals and groups within the church, notably pointing out the significance of Priscilla being mentioned before her husband Aquilla, suggesting that she held a greater authority in the church.
The pastor then addresses the issue of women in leadership in the church. He clarifies that the verses often used to argue against women in leadership are actually about maintaining order in the church, not prohibiting women from serving in leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of speaking about women in leadership with a biblical understanding and warns against speaking critically without proper knowledge.
Finally, the pastor emphasizes the importance of sowing seeds in order to receive a harvest. He references John 12:24, which states that unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. He explains that if we want to experience a harvest in our lives, whether it be in our finances or other areas, we must be willing to sow seeds by giving and being generous.
Key Takeaways:
- The struggle to live as both a sinner and a saint is a common experience for all Christians. However, it is through God's grace and mercy that individuals can strive to live a life that reflects their faith. This struggle is not a sign of failure, but rather a testament to the ongoing process of sanctification. ([12:45])
- The legacy that individuals leave behind is not defined by their achievements or material possessions, but by their character and the impact they had on others. It is important to live a life that aligns with one's faith and values, as this is what will be remembered after death. ([24:30])
- The concept of salvation by God's grace, not by our own works, is a fundamental tenet of Christianity. This means that our past mistakes or actions do not have to define us. Instead, becoming a Christian means transferring our trust to Jesus and allowing Him to give us new life. ([36:15])
- The importance of unity within the church is emphasized in Romans 16. It is crucial to stay away from individuals who go against the teachings of God and cause division within the church. The church should be a place of unity and mutual support, where all members work together for the glory of God. ([48:50])
- The role of women in leadership within the church is a topic that requires careful biblical understanding. It is not about prohibiting women from serving in leadership roles, but about maintaining order in the church. Women in ministry should have a biblical covering, which means they teach through a man who acknowledges and supports their calling. ([59:20])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 39:4-5: "Lord, tell me what will happen to me now. Tell me how long will I live. Let me know how short my life really is. You gave me only a short life compared to you. My whole life is nothing. The life of every human is like a cloud that quickly disappears."
2. John 12:24: "Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abides alone."
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
4. Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the imagery used in Psalm 39:4-5 and John 12:24?
2. How does 2 Corinthians 9:6 relate to the concept of sowing and reaping?
3. What does Ephesians 2:8-10 say about the role of grace and works in salvation?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the imagery in Psalm 39:4-5 and John 12:24 reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of sacrifice?
2. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:6, apply to our spiritual lives and our relationship with God?
3. How does Ephesians 2:8-10 challenge the common understanding of salvation and good works?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on Psalm 39:4-5, how does the brevity of life influence your daily decisions and priorities?
2. Considering John 12:24, what is one area in your life where you need to 'die to self' in order to bear fruit?
3. In light of 2 Corinthians 9:6, what is one specific way you can sow generously in your life this week?
4. Reflecting on Ephesians 2:8-10, how does understanding salvation by grace through faith impact your view of your past mistakes and your future potential?
5. How can you demonstrate the principle of being God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, in a practical way in your life this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Battle Between Sin and Sanctification
Each person grapples with the constant struggle between sin and sanctification. However, hope and redemption are found in God's grace and mercy, which play a crucial role in this process. This grace is not earned but freely given to those who seek it. ([12:45])
Romans 7:15-17 - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent struggle you've had between sin and sanctification. How can you lean into God's grace and mercy in this situation?
Day 2: Planning with the End in Mind
Imagining what people will say at our funerals can serve as a powerful motivator to live a life that aligns with our faith and leaves a positive legacy. Death is inevitable for all, and reflecting on the legacy we want to leave behind is of utmost importance. ([22:30])
Proverbs 13:22 - "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous."
Reflection: What legacy do you want to leave behind? How can you start living today to ensure that legacy?
Day 3: Defined by Grace, Not Mistakes
Despite our past mistakes or actions, we are not defined by them. Salvation is by God's grace and not by our own works, offering hope and a fresh start to those who accept it. ([34:15])
Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: What past mistake or action are you allowing to define you? How can you accept God's grace and start anew?
Day 4: Unity and Avoidance of Division
Unity within the church is crucial, and those who cause division and disrupt people's faith should be avoided. The hard work and dedication of women in the church are also acknowledged, emphasizing their valuable contributions to the ministry. ([45:50])
1 Corinthians 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church community? Are there any divisions you need to address or avoid?
Day 5: Character Over Material Possessions
Character and legacy are more important than achievements and material possessions. When people attend a funeral, they discuss the person's character and the impact they had on others, not their accomplishments or net worth. ([58:20])
Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
Reflection: How are you cultivating your character to leave a lasting, positive impact on others? What changes can you make today to prioritize character over material possessions?
Quotes
"Legacy is not solely defined by our achievements or material possessions, it is the impact that we have on others, the love we share, and the values we uphold that truly matter."
"Begin with your strategy and planning with the end in mind, imagine your funeral and imagine what people will say at your funeral."
"Whatever you did in your past, that one sentence does not have to be the one liner that describes or defines you."
"Salvation is not a reward for good things you've done, so none of us can boast."
"There's that struggle within us to be who God wants us to be but with God's grace and his Mercy we know that one of these days when people stand and give the memorial for you they have a sentence like those in Romans chapter 16 said they served they gave they lived."
"Everything that we have, right thinking and right living, a clean slate, a fresh start, comes from God by the way of Jesus Christ."
"Watch out for people who cause division and upset people's faith and teachings that have been contrary to what I've just taught you."
"Priscilla is the woman now in biblical writings you always address the men first...but Paul notes Priscilla first, so he gives her some sort of authority...in the church."
"Most of the early church fathers believe that Junia was a woman...she and her husband were both Apostles...those that were sent out."
"We believe that gifts and calling are not gender based, however, we believe that a woman in Ministry does not rule over men but they rule through a man that is their biblical covering."
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