Magnifying God's Love: Our Calling as Believers
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of magnifying God's love, drawing inspiration from John Piper's analogy of being telescopes rather than microscopes. Piper explains that while microscopes make small things appear larger, telescopes reveal the true grandeur of immense objects. Similarly, our calling as Christians is to make the greatness of God and His love visible to the world. This is not about exaggerating or distorting reality but about revealing the true magnitude of God's love and glory.
We delved into 1 Peter 2:9-12, which outlines our new identity and calling as God's chosen people. We are described as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. This identity is not based on our merits but on God's grace and love. Our calling is to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This involves living lives that reflect Christ's character and magnify His love.
We discussed the challenges of living in a way that magnifies God in our individualistic culture, where the temptation is to magnify ourselves. However, our true calling is to live in a way that increases the name of Jesus and decreases our love for ourselves, as John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).
We also shared practical examples of how to live out this calling, including embracing our new identity and living out our new calling by proclaiming Christ through our actions and words. The mission trip to Benton Harbor, Michigan, served as a powerful illustration of how small, consistent acts of service can magnify God's love and make a significant impact.
### Key Takeaways
1. Magnifying God's Love: Our primary calling is to be telescopes that reveal the true greatness of God's love and glory. This means living in a way that makes God look as great as He truly is, rather than magnifying ourselves. This requires a heart that desires more of Jesus and less of ourselves. [33:02]
2. New Identity in Christ: As believers, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. This identity is rooted in God's grace and love, not in our merits. Embracing this identity means recognizing that we are loved, delivered, and made holy by God. [40:08]
3. Living Out Our Calling: Our calling is to proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This involves leveraging our resources and opportunities to make Christ known, whether through organized programs or everyday interactions. [48:03]
4. Holiness as a Way of Life: To be holy is to be Christ-like, reflecting God's character and virtues in every aspect of our lives. This includes loving our neighbors, showing compassion, demonstrating integrity, and living in a way that witnesses to the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. [44:16]
5. Mission as a Lifestyle: Mission work is not confined to specific times and places but is a way of life. Small, consistent acts of service and obedience to God's word can punch holes in the darkness and magnify God's love to the world. This week’s mission trip to Benton Harbor exemplified how living out our calling can make a profound impact. [56:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:02] - Magnifying God's Love
[34:48] - Called to Be Telescopes
[36:20] - Our New Identity in Christ
[38:23] - The Temptation to Magnify Ourselves
[39:21] - Embracing Our New Identity
[40:08] - Chosen Race and Royal Priesthood
[43:28] - Holiness as a Way of Life
[47:23] - Living Out Our New Calling
[48:03] - Proclaiming Christ
[49:22] - Mission as a Lifestyle
[52:13] - Mission Trip to Benton Harbor
[56:17] - Small Acts, Big Impact
[57:00] - Restoring Community
[58:03] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 2:9-12 (ESV)
> "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four aspects of our new identity in Christ as described in 1 Peter 2:9?
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being a microscope and a telescope in the context of magnifying God's love? [33:02]
3. How does John the Baptist's statement in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease," relate to our calling as Christians? [38:23]
4. What practical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate how we can live out our calling to magnify God's love? [52:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "chosen race" and how does this identity impact our daily lives? [40:08]
2. How can living as a "royal priesthood" influence the way we interact with others in our community? [43:28]
3. In what ways does the concept of being a "holy nation" challenge our current lifestyle and choices? [44:16]
4. How does the mission trip to Benton Harbor serve as an example of living out our calling to magnify God's love? [52:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are tempted to magnify yourself rather than God? How can you shift your focus to magnify God's love instead? [38:23]
2. Think about your new identity in Christ. How can you embrace being part of a "chosen race" and a "royal priesthood" in your daily interactions? [40:08]
3. Identify one practical way you can live out your calling to proclaim the excellencies of God this week. What specific actions will you take? [48:03]
4. Consider the concept of holiness as a way of life. What specific changes can you make to reflect Christ's character more clearly in your personal and social life? [44:16]
5. Reflect on the mission trip to Benton Harbor. How can you incorporate small, consistent acts of service into your routine to magnify God's love in your community? [52:13]
6. How can you leverage your resources and opportunities to make Christ known in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles? [48:45]
7. Think of a person in your life who is living in darkness. What steps can you take to share the light of Christ with them this week? [50:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Magnifying God's Love
Our primary calling is to be telescopes that reveal the true greatness of God's love and glory. This means living in a way that makes God look as great as He truly is, rather than magnifying ourselves. This requires a heart that desires more of Jesus and less of ourselves. [33:02]
In our daily lives, we often face the temptation to focus on our own achievements and desires. However, as Christians, our mission is to shift the focus from ourselves to God. By doing so, we become like telescopes, revealing the vastness and beauty of God's love to those around us. This is not about making God appear greater than He is but about showing His true greatness and love through our actions and words.
To magnify God's love, we must cultivate a heart that seeks to glorify Him above all else. This involves daily surrender, choosing to prioritize God's will over our own, and living in a way that reflects His character. When we do this, we become living testimonies of His love and grace, drawing others to Him.
Psalm 34:3 (ESV): "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you shift the focus from yourself to God in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: New Identity in Christ
As believers, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God's own possession. This identity is rooted in God's grace and love, not in our merits. Embracing this identity means recognizing that we are loved, delivered, and made holy by God. [40:08]
Understanding our new identity in Christ is crucial for living a life that honors God. This identity is not something we earn but is given to us by God's grace. We are chosen, royal, holy, and His possession. These truths should shape how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. When we embrace our identity in Christ, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God.
Living out this identity involves daily reminders of who we are in Christ. It means rejecting the lies that the world tells us about our worth and instead, holding onto the truth of God's Word. As we grow in our understanding of our identity, we can better reflect God's love and grace to those around us.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ today, and how will this change the way you interact with others?
Day 3: Living Out Our Calling
Our calling is to proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This involves leveraging our resources and opportunities to make Christ known, whether through organized programs or everyday interactions. [48:03]
Living out our calling as Christians means actively proclaiming the greatness of God in every aspect of our lives. This is not limited to formal ministry or church activities but extends to our daily interactions and choices. We are called to be witnesses of God's love and grace, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us.
To live out this calling, we must be intentional about using our resources, time, and talents for God's glory. This could mean volunteering in our communities, sharing our faith with a coworker, or simply showing kindness and compassion to those in need. Every action, no matter how small, can be an opportunity to reflect God's love and proclaim His excellencies.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can proclaim the excellencies of God in your daily life today?
Day 4: Holiness as a Way of Life
To be holy is to be Christ-like, reflecting God's character and virtues in every aspect of our lives. This includes loving our neighbors, showing compassion, demonstrating integrity, and living in a way that witnesses to the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. [44:16]
Holiness is not about perfection but about being set apart for God's purposes. It means living in a way that reflects the character of Christ, embodying His love, compassion, and integrity. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we are transformed to become more like Him, and this transformation should be evident in every area of our lives.
Living a holy life involves daily choices to align our actions and attitudes with God's Word. It means loving our neighbors, showing kindness and compassion, and maintaining integrity in all we do. By living in a way that reflects Christ's character, we become powerful witnesses to the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you strive to reflect Christ's character more fully today?
Day 5: Mission as a Lifestyle
Mission work is not confined to specific times and places but is a way of life. Small, consistent acts of service and obedience to God's word can punch holes in the darkness and magnify God's love to the world. This week’s mission trip to Benton Harbor exemplified how living out our calling can make a profound impact. [56:17]
The concept of mission as a lifestyle challenges us to see every moment as an opportunity to serve and glorify God. It's not just about going on mission trips or participating in church outreach programs, but about living in a way that consistently reflects God's love and truth. Small acts of kindness, daily obedience to God's Word, and a heart for service can make a significant impact in the lives of those around us.
The mission trip to Benton Harbor serves as a powerful example of how small, consistent acts of service can magnify God's love. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply being a listening ear to someone in need, every act of service is an opportunity to reflect God's love and make a difference. By embracing mission as a lifestyle, we can be a light in the darkness and bring glory to God in all we do.
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: What small, consistent act of service can you commit to today to reflect God's love and make a difference in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We are to magnify the love of Christ. We are to live as exiles in a world that is hostile to the gospel message. And we are to bear witness to this message when we live in a way that's obedient to God's word and in a way that pleases God." [38:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our big idea this morning is that because God loved us by choosing us as his people, we must magnify his love by living lives that glorify the name of Christ and not our own." [39:21] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our calling is to tell the world, to tell the world about Jesus. It doesn't mean you have to stand up here at a pulpit and do it. But God gives each and every one of you these unique opportunities to point to the love of Christ." [48:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of the best arguments for the existence of God is a life lived in obedience to God's word. And when we proclaim this truth and live this truth out and people see it in our lives, it is one of the best cases and arguments for why people should love Christ." [49:53] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the one. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And when it speaks to Jesus being the light, it refers to the way of Jesus, the truth of Jesus. It refers to his righteousness, his justice, his peace, his mercy, his grace, and his wholeness." [50:52] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Peter challenges us to live a life that magnifies Christ, which is demonstrated by a heart that wants more of Jesus and less of ourselves. See, we need to live in a way that increases the name of Jesus and decreases our love for ourselves." [38:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are called to behave different in every dimension of our personal and social lives in order to magnify the love of Christ and not ourselves. You see, the church is called to be Christ-like. The church is called to be a sanctified people set apart for God's mission." [46:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When the people of God reflect the character of God in active obedience, then like a telescope, we show the world just how big, deep, and profound God's love is." [52:13] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Mission work is not something we do at certain times and places. It's a way of life, just as this passage tells us. And when we embrace that calling like a telescope, we magnify to the watching world just how big God's love is." [56:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Remember your identity. Remember the love that God has set up for you. Upon each and every one of you. And now he's brought you into this community. So let us lock arms together and let us restore community while we represent Christ." [57:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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