Making a Difference: Embodying Faith in Action
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. It's a privilege to be here this morning, especially because some of my favorite people in the world are part of this church. Let me start by asking you a question: How often do you go mad? By that, I mean, how often do you make a difference? If you were removed from your workplace, family, or community, would anyone notice? This is a crucial question because making a difference is what we are called to do.
I want to share a story about my friend Diodone, whom I met in 2010 in a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite being a refugee himself, he has made a significant impact, overseeing 170 schools, 8 hospitals, and 6 homes for former child soldiers. His life is a testament to the power of making a difference.
Not everyone has grand ambitions. Some people are content with modest goals, like collecting rare cacti. But if you want to make a difference, you don't need to know a lot of things; you just need to be mastered by one great truth. This brings us to Charles Studd, a man from 100 years ago who gave up his upper-class life and cricket career to serve in the Congo. He wrote, "Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." His sacrifice has had a lasting impact, and people like Giudoni are believers today because of him.
Let's turn to the Bible, specifically 2 Peter 1. God's divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. We are called to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. If we possess these qualities in increasing measure, we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Peter emphasizes the importance of growth. Think back to where you were a year ago. Have you grown in your faith and expression of Jesus? We are called to increase in measure, not just in the first few years but throughout our lives. If we don't, we become short-sighted and forgetful, losing our spiritual urgency and direction.
Adding to our faith requires effort. It's not just about lying back and letting God do everything. There's a balance between God's power and our responsibility to grow. Imagine packing everything your child needs for a camp, but they come back having used none of it. Similarly, God has given us everything we need in Jesus, but we must unpack and use it.
To make a difference, we must embody the gospel story, not just be talking heads. Think about your neighbors and the people you interact with daily. How can you weave the gospel story into their lives? Jesus didn't just speak words; He lived them. We are called to do the same.
In practical terms, this means adding to our faith qualities like goodness, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. Jesus exemplified these qualities, and we are called to follow His example. For instance, self-control is not just about avoiding addiction but mastering our egos and desires. Perseverance, or stickability, is about being consistent and steady, even in the face of insidious compromise.
Godliness means living with a God-focus, doing everything for God, like God, and with God. One of my friends exemplified this by cleaning a prison cell as if it were for Jesus. This is the kind of godliness we are called to.
In conclusion, making a difference requires effort, growth, and embodying the gospel story. Let's strive to add to our faith and make a lasting impact in our communities and the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of One Great Truth: You don't need to know a lot of things to make a difference; you just need to be mastered by one great truth. Charles Studd's life exemplifies this. He gave up his upper-class life and cricket career to serve in the Congo, and his sacrifice has had a lasting impact. This teaches us that being deeply committed to one great truth can change lives and communities. [37:03]
2. God Has Given Us Everything We Need: God's divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. This means we are fully equipped to live a life that makes a difference. However, we must actively unpack and use these divine resources. Just like a packed suitcase for camp, everything we need is there, but it's up to us to use it. [49:58]
3. Growth and Perseverance: Peter emphasizes the importance of growth in our faith. We are called to increase in measure, not just in the first few years but throughout our lives. This continuous growth prevents us from becoming short-sighted and forgetful, keeping our spiritual urgency and direction intact. [47:45]
4. Embodiment of the Gospel: To make a difference, we must embody the gospel story, not just be talking heads. Jesus didn't just speak words; He lived them. We are called to weave the gospel story into the lives of our neighbors and the people we interact with daily. This practical application of faith is what truly makes a difference. [41:10]
5. Qualities to Add to Our Faith: Peter lists qualities like goodness, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love that we must add to our faith. These qualities are not just for personal growth but for making a tangible impact in our communities. For example, self-control is about mastering our egos and desires, while perseverance is about being consistent and steady in our faith. [54:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:31] - Making a Difference
[37:03] - The Story of Charles Studd
[37:53] - Reading from 2 Peter 1
[39:20] - Qualities for a Godly Life
[41:10] - Embodying the Gospel
[44:20] - Practical Examples of Living the Gospel
[46:52] - Importance of Growth
[49:58] - Unpacking God's Gifts
[54:03] - Adding Qualities to Faith
[55:45] - Wisdom and Self-Control
[58:42] - Stickability and Godliness
[01:01:30] - Practical Godliness
[01:03:48] - Final Call to Make a Difference
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV): "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
### Observation Questions
1. What qualities does Peter list in 2 Peter 1:5-7 that we should add to our faith? ([38:41])
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "go mad" in the context of making a difference? ([33:31])
3. How did Charles Studd exemplify the idea of being mastered by one great truth? ([37:03])
4. What practical examples did the pastor give of embodying the gospel story in everyday life? ([41:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize the need to possess qualities like goodness, knowledge, and self-control in increasing measure? How does this prevent us from being ineffective and unproductive? ([39:20])
2. How does the story of Charles Studd challenge our understanding of sacrifice and commitment to a single great truth? ([37:03])
3. What does it mean to embody the gospel story rather than just being a "talking head"? How can this be practically applied in our interactions with neighbors and community members? ([41:10])
4. How does the balance between God's power and our responsibility to grow play out in our daily lives? What are some practical steps we can take to "unpack" the divine resources God has given us? ([49:58])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the past year. Have you grown in your faith and expression of Jesus? What specific areas have you seen growth, and where do you feel you need to improve? ([47:45])
2. Think about your current community, workplace, or family. If you were removed from these environments, would anyone notice? What steps can you take to make a more significant impact? ([33:31])
3. Identify one quality from 2 Peter 1:5-7 (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, love) that you feel you need to work on. What practical actions can you take this week to develop this quality? ([38:41])
4. The pastor shared stories of people who embodied the gospel in challenging situations. Can you think of a situation in your life where you can embody the gospel story more fully? What specific actions can you take? ([41:10])
5. How can you ensure that you are not just a "talking head" but someone who lives out the gospel story? What changes in your daily routine or mindset might help you achieve this? ([41:10])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of "stickability" or perseverance. Is there an area in your life where you struggle with consistency? What strategies can you implement to improve your perseverance? ([58:42])
7. Reflect on the idea that "God has given us everything we need for a godly life." Are there resources or opportunities you have been neglecting? How can you start to "unpack" and use these resources more effectively? ([49:58])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of One Great Truth
To make a significant impact in the world, you don't need to know a multitude of things; you just need to be deeply committed to one great truth. Charles Studd's life is a powerful example of this principle. He gave up his upper-class life and a promising cricket career to serve in the Congo, driven by his unwavering belief in the importance of serving Christ. His sacrifice has had a lasting impact, influencing generations of believers, including people like Giudoni. This teaches us that being deeply committed to one great truth can change lives and communities. [37:03]
John 15:16 (ESV): "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."
Reflection: What is the one great truth that you are deeply committed to? How can you let this truth guide your actions and decisions today?
Day 2: God Has Given Us Everything We Need
God's divine power has equipped us with everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. This means we are fully prepared to live a life that makes a difference. However, it is our responsibility to actively unpack and use these divine resources. Just like a packed suitcase for camp, everything we need is there, but it's up to us to use it. We must not let these gifts go to waste but instead, utilize them to their fullest potential. [49:58]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: What divine resources has God given you that you have yet to fully unpack and use? How can you start using them today to make a difference?
Day 3: Growth and Perseverance
Peter emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in our faith. We are called to increase in measure, not just in the first few years but throughout our lives. This ongoing growth prevents us from becoming short-sighted and forgetful, keeping our spiritual urgency and direction intact. Reflect on where you were a year ago in your faith journey. Have you grown in your faith and expression of Jesus? Continuous growth is essential to maintaining our spiritual vitality and effectiveness. [47:45]
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your faith have you grown over the past year? What steps can you take to ensure continuous growth in the coming year?
Day 4: Embodiment of the Gospel
To truly make a difference, we must embody the gospel story, not just be talking heads. Jesus didn't just speak words; He lived them. We are called to weave the gospel story into the lives of our neighbors and the people we interact with daily. This practical application of faith is what truly makes a difference. Think about your neighbors and the people you interact with daily. How can you weave the gospel story into their lives? [41:10]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: How can you practically embody the gospel story in your interactions with others today? What specific actions can you take to live out your faith?
Day 5: Qualities to Add to Our Faith
Peter lists qualities like goodness, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love that we must add to our faith. These qualities are not just for personal growth but for making a tangible impact in our communities. For example, self-control is about mastering our egos and desires, while perseverance is about being consistent and steady in our faith. These qualities help us to live a life that reflects Jesus and makes a difference in the world. [54:03]
2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Reflection: Which of the qualities listed by Peter do you need to work on adding to your faith? What practical steps can you take today to develop this quality?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How often do you go mad? Aye. Daily. Daily. Yeah. Some of us do. I don't mean actually how often do you behave in a way that attracts a second glance from other people. I mean how often do you go make a difference? How often do you go make a difference? If they take you out of the picture, is it any different? If you're removed from the place you work, or your family, or your sports team, or this community, or your school, would anybody notice? Because you're not actually making any difference." [33:31]
2. "If you want to make a difference. You don't need to know lots of things to make a difference. You just need to be mastered by one thing. And to be willing to live and die for that one thing. You ever watch Mastermind on the telly? Monday nights? No, there's nothing else on. Sometimes, it's all quizzes all Monday night. If you want to win Mastermind. You probably need to have a good round two. That's general knowledge. But if you want to just make a difference in life. You just need a good round one. Be an expert in one thing." [36:17]
3. "Imagine you've got a kid going to camp this summer. I remember this happening with one of our kids. You pack up everything they need. For a week away at SU camp. Something like that. Right? You put all the change of clothes they need. In there. And then you give them a wee bit spending money. And they come back at the end of the week. And they've not even opened the suitcase. They've wore the same clothes all week. They spent the money you gave them on things that were already in the suitcase." [49:58]
4. "Add to your faith. Now if you're a good listener in this church. That might be causing you worry. Because they'll have taught you in this church. All you need is to believe in Jesus. And you're saved. And that's absolutely true. It's as easy as that. You trust Jesus. I was watching the baptism a fortnight ago with Spike. That was a beautiful moment. And faith. Absolutely. And we don't want to say anything other than. Faith's enough to bring you on board with Jesus. But then Peter says. You need to work out what that faith looks like. You need to add to it these things." [45:09]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you possess these things in increasing measure. There's an assumption of growth. Think back to where you were a year ago. What have you grown in since then? Well maybe your Xbox scores are a bit better than they were a year ago. Or maybe like me your waistline is a bit bigger than it was a year ago. Sadly my hair is a bit less than it was a year ago. But I'm trying to model myself in Barry. Cheers. But what about. Your faith. And your expression of Jesus." [47:45]
2. "Make every effort. To add to your faith. Goodness. Wow. You have to make every effort here. This is not just a question of. Lying back and letting God do it. There's no mystery to stagnant Christianity. No effort. No gain. Yes. God gives the growth. But in the Bible. There's a real balance here. There's a responsibility on you. To make every effort. To grow." [48:52]
3. "God's divine power. Has given everything we need. For a godly life. Through our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Everything you need. Everything. To live a godly life. Is there in Jesus. Imagine you've got a. A kid going to camp this summer. You pack up everything they need. For a week away at SU camp. Something like that. Right? You put all the change of clothes they need. In there. And then you give them a wee bit spending money. And they come back at the end of the week. And they've not even opened the suitcase." [49:58]
4. "So Peter says in verse 5. Add to your faith these things. Add to your faith. Now if you're a good listener in this church. That might be causing you worry. Because they'll have taught you in this church. All you need is to believe in Jesus. And you're saved. And that's absolutely true. It's as easy as that. You trust Jesus. I was watching the baptism a fortnight ago with Spike. That was a beautiful moment. And faith. Absolutely. And we don't want to say anything other than. Faith's enough to bring you on board with Jesus. But then Peter says. You need to work out what that faith looks like. You need to add to it these things." [45:09]
5. "So as we sink ourselves into the stories of Jesus. We grow in that wisdom. We've got wisdom to share with people. Thirdly. Self control. Or as I put there. Self mastery. I suppose there's a lot of people in here that are miles ahead in this. Compared with me. It's one of the beautiful things of this church. That so many of you have learned. To control desires. And things that were taking you down. An addiction route. Self mastery is not just about that. It's about mastering the whole ego. And every temptation. And every desire. To make yourself. The center of attention." [55:45]
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