Navigating Faith: Choices, Discernment, and Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the profound challenges and responsibilities that come with living a Christian life, emphasizing the importance of discernment, decision-making, and the active pursuit of spiritual growth. We began by reflecting on the recent community event, Faith Works, where many of you joined in service, demonstrating the gospel in action. This set the stage for a deeper discussion on the choices we face daily and their long-term impact on our spiritual journey.

One of the central themes addressed was the difficulty of decision-making, illustrated by personal anecdotes and biblical insights. I shared about the early days of my marriage, highlighting the trivial yet telling struggles of choosing a movie to watch, which served as a metaphor for the more significant choices we face that shape our spiritual paths. This led into a discussion on the importance of knowing what we truly want, a question that resonates deeply in our spiritual lives.

We delved into the teachings of Jude, focusing on the dangers of false teachings and the characteristics of false teachers who lead believers astray. I emphasized the necessity of being grounded in Scripture to discern truth from deception, highlighting the importance of building ourselves up in our most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.

The sermon also addressed the critical role of personal responsibility in spiritual growth. I stressed the importance of not outsourcing our spiritual disciplines but taking ownership of our faith through regular engagement with Scripture and prayer. This call to action is crucial in a world filled with distractions and false doctrines that can easily lead us off course.

As we moved towards the conclusion, I invited the congregation to reflect on their spiritual garments, encouraging a time of confession and reconciliation in preparation for communion. This was a moment for each individual to consider their actions and words over the past week and to realign with Christ's teachings.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Community Service in Faith Expression
Participating in community service, like the Faith Works event, is not just about helping others; it's a practical application of our faith. It allows us to live out the gospel in tangible ways, serving as a reminder of Jesus' call to serve the least of these. This engagement strengthens our communal bonds and deepens our commitment to Christ's teachings. [32:30]

2. Decision Making and Spiritual Consequences
Every decision, no matter how small, influences our spiritual trajectory. The choices we make daily can lead us closer to or further from God. It's essential to be mindful of the decisions we make and to seek God's wisdom continually, ensuring that our choices align with His will and contribute to our spiritual growth. [35:57]

3. Guarding Against False Teachings
In an age where information is abundant, discernment is key. We must be vigilant in identifying false teachings and teachers who do not align with biblical truth. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to living out our faith authentically, ensuring that our spiritual leaders and the content we consume are rooted in the gospel. [44:55]

4. Taking Ownership of Our Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a personal responsibility. We cannot delegate our relationship with God to others. It's crucial to engage actively with Scripture, participate in prayer, and apply biblical principles to our lives. This proactive approach to faith ensures that we are building a solid foundation that withstands cultural shifts and personal challenges. [53:48]

5. The Urgency of Christ's Return and Our Readiness
The anticipation of Christ's return should motivate us to live righteously and maintain spiritual vigilance. This eschatological perspective helps us prioritize our relationships and actions according to God's will, ensuring that we are prepared for His coming, whenever that may be. This readiness involves not only personal holiness but also active engagement in seeking and saving the lost. [58:31]

### Chapters

0:00 - Welcome
31:40 - Introduction and Welcome to Newcomers
32:30 - Reflections on Faith Works Event
33:40 - The Challenge of Knowing What We Want
35:14 - Decision Making in Everyday Life
38:43 - The Predictions of the Apostles
41:40 - Warning Against False Teachers
44:55 - Characteristics of False Teachings
50:09 - The Sovereignty of God and Our Daily Decisions
53:48 - Personal Responsibility in Spiritual Growth
56:45 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
58:31 - Anticipating the Return of Christ
01:00:17 - Engaging the Lost and Doubtful

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Jude 17-23 (ESV)
> "But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, 'In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.' It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of false teachers as described in Jude 17-23? ([38:43])
2. How does Jude instruct believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith? ([39:36])
3. What actions does Jude recommend towards those who doubt and those in danger? ([59:17])
4. What does it mean to "keep yourselves in the love of God" according to Jude? ([50:09])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to be vigilant against false teachings and teachers? How can this vigilance impact our spiritual growth? ([40:58])
2. How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence the way we live our daily lives? ([58:31])
3. What does taking personal responsibility for spiritual growth look like in practical terms? ([53:48])
4. How can community service, like the Faith Works event, serve as a practical application of our faith? ([32:30])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it impact your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to ensure your future decisions align with God's will? ([35:14])
2. Identify a false teaching or misleading information you have encountered. How did you discern its falsehood, and what steps did you take to guard your faith? ([40:58])
3. How can you take more ownership of your spiritual growth this week? Consider specific actions like setting aside time for prayer or Bible study. ([53:48])
4. Think about a person in your life who is struggling with doubt. How can you show them mercy and support them in their faith journey? ([59:17])
5. In what ways can you prepare yourself for Christ's return? Are there relationships or habits you need to address to be ready for His coming? ([58:31])
6. How can you actively engage in community service to live out the gospel? Identify one service opportunity you can participate in this month. ([32:30])
7. Reflect on your spiritual disciplines. Are there areas where you have been outsourcing your spiritual growth? How can you take more responsibility in these areas? ([53:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Serving Reflects Our Faith
Community service is a vital expression of our faith, allowing us to embody the gospel through practical actions. Engaging in events like Faith Works not only aids those in need but also solidifies our own spiritual commitments. It's a tangible demonstration of Jesus' teachings about serving "the least of these," which strengthens communal bonds and deepens our understanding of living a Christ-centered life. This active participation is crucial as it not only impacts the lives of others but also molds our own spiritual journey, making us more like Christ each day. [32:30]

James 2:14-17 ESV
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: How can you serve someone in your community this week in a way that tangibly demonstrates your faith?

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Day 2: Every Choice Shapes Our Spiritual Path
Decisions, no matter how trivial they seem, have profound impacts on our spiritual trajectory. Each choice made is a step towards or away from God. It's essential to continually seek divine wisdom, ensuring our decisions align with God's will. This mindfulness in decision-making fosters spiritual growth and helps us navigate the complexities of life while staying true to our faith. By consistently aligning our choices with God's desires, we build a life that not only honors Him but also leads us to a deeper spiritual maturity. [35:57]

Proverbs 16:9 ESV
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: What decision are you facing today, and how can you ensure it aligns with God’s purpose for your life?

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Day 3: Stand Guard Against Deception
In an era overflowing with information, discerning truth from falsehood is more crucial than ever. Believers must be vigilant against false teachings, which often appear subtly and attractively. Understanding and grounding oneself in Scripture is essential for identifying and combating these deceptions. This commitment to biblical truth helps maintain the integrity of our faith and ensures that our spiritual leaders and the content we consume are rooted in the gospel. [44:55]

2 Peter 2:1-3 ESV
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words."

Reflection: What steps can you take to enhance your biblical literacy and protect yourself from false teachings?

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Day 4: Personal Responsibility in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a personal endeavor that cannot be outsourced. It requires a proactive approach to engaging with Scripture and prayer, fostering a relationship with God that is both intimate and transformative. This personal responsibility ensures that our faith is not only professed but practiced, building a solid foundation that withstands life's challenges and cultural shifts. By taking ownership of our spiritual disciplines, we prepare ourselves to live out our faith authentically and resiliently. [53:48]

Ephesians 4:14-15 ESV
"So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can begin to practice more consistently to deepen your relationship with God?

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Day 5: Live in Readiness for Christ’s Return
The anticipation of Christ's return should profoundly influence our daily living. This eschatological perspective motivates us to prioritize righteousness and maintain spiritual vigilance. Living in readiness involves not only personal holiness but also an active engagement in evangelism, seeking and saving the lost. This readiness is a call to align our actions and relationships according to God's will, ensuring we are prepared for His coming at any moment. [58:31]

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 ESV
"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."

Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself spiritually for the return of Christ, starting today?

Quotes

1) "Truly, every decision has weight and impact, even the small ones. Because they carve pathways. And roads that we will walk down in our spirit, in our mind, in our body. With every decision. And that's weighty today." [35:57]( | | )

2) "You've got to know what worldview is being developed in your kids. You've got to know what worldview is being developed into your grandkids. You've got to understand each and every decision is making a destiny for you. This is serious business." [50:09]( | | )

3) "Extreme ownership of this. Because it's so easy in today's climate to divide, to get on polarization, and to blame somebody else. No, no. Do not go down that road. You build yourself up in the scriptures. You build yourself up in the Spirit." [53:48]( | | )

4) "To pray in the Spirit means that you have to have a high regard for the Spirit's work in your life. Let me ask you this question. Have you thought? Have you thought today before you came to church about the Spirit's work in your life?" [56:45]( | | )

5) "There's this waiting that we're called to wait on Jesus to come back. And I don't know if you think about that discipline of what it means to wait on Jesus to come back. And what posture does that put you in emotionally?" [58:31]( | | )

6) "Why do we gather and why do we come together to sit under the word of God, to be equipped? But we're equipped because there is a lost and dying world that is out there. And maybe even in here today." [59:17]( | | )

7) "We have to be patient with those who doubt. Listen, Thomas wasn't the only one who doubted. And maybe you're doubting today. And you never tell anybody. We're growing up in a really skeptical generation." [01:00:17]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?