Living with Gratitude, Faith, and Eternal Perspective
Summary
Welcome to Lexington Park Baptist Church, where we gather to worship and exalt the name of Jesus. Today, we reflect on the profound message from Micah 6:8, which calls us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This is a reminder of how we are to live our lives, guided by the principles of justice, mercy, and humility. As we gather, we also focus on the importance of gratitude within our community. We are reminded to be grateful for one another, recognizing that we are chosen by God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This gratitude should permeate our interactions, fostering unity and love among us.
In our journey through 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, we explore the themes of gratitude, the glory of the gospel, and the importance of standing firm in our faith. Paul emphasizes the need to hold onto the traditions and teachings of the gospel, encouraging us to build our lives on the solid foundation of God's word. This foundation not only provides stability but also prepares us for the glorious future that awaits us in Christ. We are called to live righteously, sharing the gospel and being a light in the world as we await Christ's return.
As we reflect on these teachings, we are encouraged to examine our own lives. Are we living with an attitude of gratitude? Are we standing firm in our faith, building our lives on the word of God? These are questions that challenge us to deepen our commitment to Christ and His church. Let us pray for one another, that we may be strengthened in our faith and encouraged by the eternal hope we have in Jesus. May we live each day with the awareness that Jesus is coming back, and may this truth transform our lives and our community.
Key Takeaways:
- Gratitude in Community: Embrace gratitude for your church community, recognizing that we are chosen by God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This gratitude fosters unity and love, helping us to overcome negativity and division. Let us be thankful for the privilege of being part of a local body of believers. [56:07]
- The Glory of the Gospel: The gospel brings glory to our lives, allowing us to share in the glory of Christ. This is not something we deserve, but a gift of grace. As we embrace the gospel, we are transformed and called to live in a way that reflects the glory of God. [01:03:45]
- Standing Firm in Faith: Build your life on the solid foundation of God's word, standing firm in the traditions and teachings of the gospel. This foundation provides stability and prepares us for the glorious future that awaits us in Christ. [01:03:45]
- Eternal Perspective: Live with an eternal perspective, knowing that there are glorious things yet to come. This perspective gives us courage and comfort, encouraging us to live righteously and share the gospel as we await Christ's return. [01:03:45]
- Prayer for Encouragement and Strength: Pray for encouragement and strength in your faith, trusting in the eternal hope we have in Jesus. By His grace, we are given the courage to stand firm and the assurance of a glorious future. [01:03:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [01:30] - Announcements
- [05:00] - Missionary Moment
- [07:30] - Scripture Reading
- [10:00] - Offertory and Quartet
- [12:00] - Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
- [15:00] - Gratitude in Community
- [20:00] - The Glory of the Gospel
- [25:00] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [30:00] - Eternal Perspective
- [35:00] - Prayer for Encouragement and Strength
- [40:00] - Invitation and Response
- [45:00] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Micah 6:8
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three actions that Micah 6:8 calls us to embody in our daily lives? How do these actions reflect our relationship with God?
2. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, what are the key elements that Paul emphasizes for believers to hold onto? [52:40]
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the role of gratitude within the church community? [56:07]
4. How does the pastor describe the relationship between the gospel and the glory it brings to our lives? [01:03:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the call to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" in Micah 6:8 challenge our current lifestyle and priorities?
2. What does it mean to "stand firm and hold to the traditions" as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, and how can this be applied in a modern church setting? [01:03:45]
3. The pastor mentions that gratitude can overcome negativity and division within the church. How can this principle be practically applied in resolving conflicts? [56:07]
4. How does the concept of living with an eternal perspective, as discussed in the sermon, influence our daily decisions and interactions with others? [01:03:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current attitude towards your church community. Are there specific ways you can express gratitude to foster unity and love? [56:07]
2. Consider the traditions and teachings of the gospel that you hold dear. How can you ensure that these remain a solid foundation in your life amidst changing cultural norms? [01:03:45]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you can actively "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly." What steps will you take to embody these principles this week?
4. The pastor encourages living with an eternal perspective. What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values? [01:03:45]
5. How can you be a light in your community by sharing the gospel? Identify one person you can reach out to this week and plan a way to engage them in a spiritual conversation. [52:40]
6. Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement within your church or community. How can gratitude and humility play a role in resolving it?
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer for encouragement and strength. What specific prayer can you commit to this week to support your spiritual growth and the growth of others in your community? [01:03:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as a Unifying Force
Gratitude is a powerful tool that fosters unity and love within a community. When individuals recognize that they are chosen by God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, it creates a sense of belonging and purpose. This gratitude should permeate interactions, helping to overcome negativity and division. By being thankful for the privilege of being part of a local body of believers, individuals can build stronger relationships and a more cohesive community. [56:07]
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you express gratitude to today, and how will you do it?
Day 2: Embracing the Glory of the Gospel
The gospel is a transformative gift of grace that brings glory to our lives. It allows believers to share in the glory of Christ, not because they deserve it, but because of God's grace. Embracing the gospel means living in a way that reflects the glory of God, allowing His light to shine through us. This transformation calls for a life that is aligned with the teachings of Christ, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. [01:03:45]
"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." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you let the glory of the gospel transform a specific area of your life today?
Day 3: Building a Firm Foundation of Faith
Standing firm in faith requires building one's life on the solid foundation of God's word. This foundation provides stability and prepares believers for the glorious future that awaits them in Christ. By holding onto the traditions and teachings of the gospel, individuals can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. This steadfastness is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His truth to the world. [01:03:45]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What specific tradition or teaching of the gospel can you focus on today to strengthen your faith foundation?
Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
An eternal perspective provides courage and comfort, encouraging believers to live righteously and share the gospel as they await Christ's return. Knowing that there are glorious things yet to come helps individuals to prioritize their lives according to God's will. This perspective shifts focus from temporary concerns to eternal values, inspiring a life of purpose and hope. [01:03:45]
"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." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal values today?
Day 5: Praying for Encouragement and Strength
Prayer is a vital practice for seeking encouragement and strength in faith. Trusting in the eternal hope found in Jesus, believers are given the courage to stand firm and the assurance of a glorious future. By praying for one another, individuals can support and uplift each other, fostering a community of faith that is resilient and hopeful. [01:03:45]
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Who can you pray for today to encourage and strengthen their faith, and how will you make time to do it?
Quotes
Listen to the word of the Lord He has shown you, O man, what is good And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, to love mercy And to walk humbly with your God Let's pray Heavenly Father, we thank you for this blessed day you've given us We thank you that you are with us and for us And Lord, therefore, who can be against us? [00:20:00]
Heavenly Father, we thank you for those that give their lives to your cause, whether it's to serve as a pastor in a local church in America or to go as a missionary or pastor in a foreign country. Lord, we know that the gospel has to go to the ends of the earth. So we pray for those missionaries that do that, and we're grateful for churches like ours and other churches that can come together through the cooperative program to send out missionaries around the world. [00:25:13]
Lord, may you fill each of our hearts with such gratitude today and gratefulness for your mercy and your love that you've extended to each and every one of us. And even now, Lord, I pray that all of us should be led to the cross, but maybe to that one that has never experienced the salvation of Christ. Today, may that be the day. [00:41:57]
We are supposed to really believe this gospel. If we really believe Jesus is coming back and this man of lawlessness is real that we've been preaching on and that antichrist is real and that evil is real and that we're sinners that are fallen, that are doomed to condemnation without the salvation of Jesus Christ, that should motivate us. [00:52:01]
We all should be motivated. And I'm not talking, you know, you're probably thinking the pastor's going to tell us all to go out to lunch and just start standing up in the middle of a restaurant and sharing Jesus. I'm not saying that. I'm saying build those relationships. Get those opportunities to share into people's lives and do it in a way that Jesus did. Jesus did it as he went. [00:54:01]
So as we look at this, verse 13 is all about being grateful for one another. Father, I've been pastoring now, youth pastor, evangelism pastor, and senior pastor for 28 years. And I can say, you've heard me say this before, Christians can be some of the biggest sour pusses. We can be some of the most negative, complicated, complaining people. [00:56:57]
We have this thing called church because he called us to come together in unity. He's called us to come together to be grateful for each other. And listen, he's saying we ought to thank God always for you. Who is that? The brothers and sisters. Who are the brothers and sisters? The church. [00:58:32]
And I, and Paul preaches on this. We need to all belong to a local body of believers or a local church where we come together and we call that membership. A place where we belong. A place where we join. A place where we say, I can get behind this. I want to be a part of everything that this church does the best that I possibly can to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. [00:59:27]
The Holy Spirit, first of all, empowers us from on high. He comes into our lives. He adopts us. He makes us a child of God. And then the sanctification process is this process where God comes into your life and he starts to rearrange things that are messed up. Starts to convict you of your sin. Starts to challenge you to live a better way. [01:00:41]
We're on this journey together as chosen people of God who's been saved by God's grace to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. And look, I love this right here because we believe in the truth, the truth of Jesus Christ, the truth of the gospel. So let's break, let's do a few things here. Besides being grateful, thankful for the saints of God in this room, listen, anytime your faith in the Holy Spirit come together and you're in alignment with the Holy Spirit, look out. [01:01:16]
At some time in your life, if you're a Christian, you belong to his church. You, at some point, believed in the gospel truth. And you believed that Jesus died for you. You believed that he was buried for three days, and on the third day he rose again and he conquered death so that he could give you eternal life. At some point in your life, that message, however it was presented to you, you believed it. [01:03:26]
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. May God add a blessing to his holy word. [01:07:02]
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