Participating in God's Transformative Work in Our Lives

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is actively at work in our lives and communities, and we are invited to participate in His divine plan. We began by celebrating the incredible work God is doing on our campuses, with many individuals committing their lives to Christ and engaging in discipleship. This is a testament to the receptive hearts and the movement of God's kingdom among us. We are reminded that our purpose is not just academic growth but holistic transformation—mind, body, and soul—so that we can fully participate in God's kingdom.

We then delved into the inspiring story of a man who, despite his full-time job, dedicates his life to serving those in need, particularly women trapped in dire circumstances. His secret to living such a fulfilling life is his daily decision to make each day the best day of his life. This perspective challenges us to recognize that the most significant aspects of our lives are within our control, especially our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Reflecting on 2 Peter 1, we are reminded that we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. We are on equal footing with the apostles, and through God's promises, we can partake in the divine nature. However, this requires our active participation. We must make every effort to grow in virtues such as self-control, perseverance, and love. This growth ensures that we will not be ineffective or unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

The message concludes with a call to focus on eternal, unseen realities rather than temporary, visible ones. We are encouraged to pursue character and intimacy with God, trusting that this will lead to a fruitful and impactful life. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and experience the fullness of life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Active Work: God is moving powerfully in our communities, transforming lives and hearts. We are invited to join this movement, not just for intellectual growth but for holistic transformation that aligns us with His kingdom purposes. [02:28]

2. Daily Perspective: Embracing each day as potentially the best day of our lives empowers us to focus on what truly matters. This mindset helps us prioritize our spiritual growth and relationship with God, which are within our control. [08:24]

3. Equal Standing with Apostles: We have been given everything we need for life and godliness, placing us on equal footing with the apostles. This truth challenges us to actively pursue spiritual growth and partake in the divine nature. [12:46]

4. Effort in Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth requires intentional effort. We must diligently work towards virtues like self-control and perseverance, ensuring that we are not ineffective or unfruitful in our faith. [20:11]

5. Focus on the Eternal: We are called to focus on eternal, unseen realities rather than temporary, visible ones. By pursuing character and intimacy with God, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes and experience a fruitful life. [29:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - God Reigns
- [00:40] - Positive Rumors
- [01:14] - Celebrating Commitments
- [02:28] - Receptive Hearts
- [03:17] - Life's Blessings
- [04:04] - 20 Years of Marriage
- [05:07] - Ministry in Africa
- [06:34] - Rescuing Lives
- [07:45] - Building a Village
- [08:24] - Best Day of My Life
- [09:39] - Control Over Life
- [10:22] - Equal Faith
- [12:46] - Divine Power
- [14:31] - Partakers of Divine Nature
- [20:11] - Make Every Effort
- [29:48] - Focus on the Eternal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Peter 1:1-9
2. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

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Observation Questions:

1. What does 2 Peter 1:3 say about what God has given us for life and godliness? How does this relate to the idea of being on equal footing with the apostles? [12:46]

2. In the sermon, what was the significance of the story about the man who dedicates his life to serving those in need? How does his daily perspective influence his actions? [08:24]

3. How does the sermon describe the transformation happening on campuses, and what role does discipleship play in this movement? [01:28]

4. What are the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 that we are encouraged to grow in, and why is this growth important according to the sermon? [20:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of having a "faith of equal standing" with the apostles challenge common perceptions of spiritual hierarchy within the church? [10:22]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal, unseen realities. How does this perspective shift affect one's daily life and priorities? [29:48]

3. Reflecting on the story of the man serving in Africa, what does it mean to make each day the best day of one's life, and how can this mindset impact spiritual growth? [08:24]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual growth requires intentional effort, and how does this align with the teachings in 2 Peter 1:5-7? [20:11]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon encourages us to embrace each day as potentially the best day of our lives. What practical steps can you take to adopt this mindset in your daily routine? [08:24]

2. Considering the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7, which one do you feel most challenged to grow in, and what specific actions can you take to develop it this week? [20:11]

3. How can you actively participate in the movement of God's kingdom in your community, similar to the transformation happening on campuses? What specific role can you play? [01:28]

4. Reflect on a time when you focused on temporary, visible realities rather than eternal, unseen ones. How can you shift your focus to align more with God's eternal purposes? [29:48]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of self-control and perseverance. Identify a situation in your life where you struggle with these virtues. What strategies can you implement to improve in these areas? [20:11]

6. How can you use the resources and opportunities you have to serve others, as exemplified by the man in the sermon who serves those in need? What is one specific action you can take this week? [08:24]

7. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, and how might this lead to a more fruitful and impactful life? Consider setting a specific goal for your spiritual growth this month. [29:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Participating in God's Active Work
God is actively transforming lives and communities, inviting us to join His divine plan. This transformation is not limited to intellectual growth but encompasses holistic change—mind, body, and soul. On campuses, many are committing their lives to Christ, engaging in discipleship, and experiencing the movement of God's kingdom. This is a testament to receptive hearts and the power of God's work among us. We are called to align ourselves with His kingdom purposes, participating in the profound work He is doing in our midst. [02:28]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's work in your community today? What steps can you take to align your daily actions with His kingdom purposes?


Day 2: Embracing Each Day with Purpose
The story of a man who dedicates his life to serving those in need, despite his full-time job, illustrates the power of perspective. By choosing to make each day the best day of his life, he focuses on what truly matters—spiritual growth and a relationship with God. This mindset empowers us to prioritize what is within our control, recognizing that the most significant aspects of our lives are shaped by our daily decisions. Embracing each day with purpose allows us to live fulfilling lives centered on God's will. [08:24]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your perspective today to embrace it as the best day of your life? How can this change in mindset impact your spiritual growth?


Day 3: Equal Standing with Apostles
We have been given everything we need for life and godliness, placing us on equal footing with the apostles. Through God's promises, we can partake in the divine nature, but this requires our active participation. We are challenged to pursue spiritual growth, developing virtues such as self-control, perseverance, and love. This growth ensures that we will not be ineffective or unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Recognizing our equal standing with the apostles empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and purpose. [12:46]

"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." (2 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to actively pursue spiritual growth? How can you make every effort to develop virtues that reflect your faith?


Day 4: Intentional Effort in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth requires intentional effort. We are called to diligently work towards virtues like self-control and perseverance, ensuring that we are not ineffective or unfruitful in our faith. This effort involves making conscious choices to grow in our relationship with God, allowing His divine nature to shape our character. By actively participating in our spiritual development, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the fullness of life He offers. [20:11]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to intentionally grow in your spiritual life? How can you ensure that your efforts lead to fruitful and effective faith?


Day 5: Focusing on Eternal Realities
We are encouraged to focus on eternal, unseen realities rather than temporary, visible ones. By pursuing character and intimacy with God, we align ourselves with His eternal purposes and experience a fruitful life. This focus shifts our perspective from the transient to the everlasting, allowing us to live with purpose and impact. Trusting in God's eternal plan, we are invited to cultivate a life that reflects His love and truth, impacting the world around us. [29:48]

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV)

Reflection: What temporary distractions are keeping you from focusing on eternal realities? How can you realign your priorities to pursue a deeper intimacy with God today?

Quotes


Two weeks ago or maybe it's almost three weeks ago when Terry Franzen preached do you know we had 35 of you accept commit to following Jesus Christ for the first time that's awesome that is so good if that is you you have no idea how excited we are for you we had on that same Chapel about 236 students recommit their lives realize they're at a spot like I need to change I need something else to happen with that there was also some more signups for discipleship and and mentoring and discipleship we're going over 1500 of four of formal discipleship a bunch of you even started your own discipleship things there are people with receptive hearts on this campus. [00:01:19]

I was flying over this morning and uh I was just thanking God because I was thinking about how great my life is right now I'm going God it's just so good like there's just so much life happening right now and and and as I was praying for you I was going God I just want this for everyone you know it talks about in first Timothy how he he tells the people who are rich which is all of us here in America and especially if you go to Apu but uh it's it's um he just talks about how he he wants them to take hold of the life that is truly life okay that's how he goes this is why I'm writing is I want them to just get a hold of how good life can be. [00:03:14]

This guy he ran a marketing firm and he was running a marketing firm but in his spare time he would go to the Middle East and he would go to Africa and he would set up these feeding programs I mean these things that he'll only go places where no one is not not where no one but no relief agency is that'd be kind of boring if he just but uh where no other relief agency is just find the people that are starving figure out a way to dig Wells for them figure out how to get food for them he sets up medical clinic this all in his spare time. [00:04:46]

Every day I wake up and say to myself this is going to be the best day of my life and I just thought that sounds exhausting you know what I mean like every day so every day so he woke up today and thought this is gonna be the best day of my life I'm just like man I gotta have some throwaway days in there you know or weeks and I mean did you really wake up this morning and think it's gonna be the best day of my life this is going to be the most amazing day of my life this this today is going to be there even when I was flying over I'm going God could this be my best message ever you know and which is a lot of pressure right now but just that thought it's like man is this gonna be it can I can I commune with you right now like never before as I'm teaching and I'm realizing a lot of this stuff really is up to us you could decide today today you could have the best prayer day ever in your life more intimate with Jesus than ever before and I began to realize that the things that make our lives wonderful really are under our control. [00:08:22]

Simon Peter a servant and Apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, listen to what he says the first thing he says is here's Peter's servant an apostle of Christ he goes to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours, you think about that phrase Peter says this is Peter the Apostle who walked with Jesus, he says you have a faith that is equal to mine, you're on equal standing with me when I was reading that and meditating on that I'm like man that's so crazy because so often we look up to people like they're unattainable. [00:09:56]

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, it says his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, God's given us everything we need for life like you understand this we don't have limitations, you don't have limitations you could be the most alive person in this room and that's up to you, you could be the godliest person in this room and that's up to you we've been given everything we need for life and godliness. [00:12:32]

By which he has granted to us his precious and great promises so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature having escaped from the corruption that's in the world because of sinful nature, again he says now he says not only that but he's made us through his promises you can become a partaker of the divine nature, okay this is huge, being made partakers of the divine nature. [00:14:26]

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, it's interesting that taker of the divine nature you've been given everything to life and godliness you're on equal footing with Peter he says therefore make every effort to add to your faith virtue, self-control perseverance, wait make every you understand that it's this this word means to be diligent, to be urgent and diligently work at something. [00:19:12]

If these qualities are yours and are increasing they'll keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, if these qualities are yours and are increasing they will keep you from being unfruitful or ineffective, why are you here in college right now because you want to do something with your life right, I mean isn't that a fear of yours like what if I amount to nothing, I don't even know my major yet this is my fifth year here I don't even know I don't have a clue and I I did this major I think I'm just going to finish it and I don't even know if I'll ever use it all of these thoughts go through your head man there's a panic in me sometimes I worship this Effectiveness like I gotta accomplish I gotta accomplish I gotta do something with my life. [00:26:10]

God Almighty made a guarantees as if you grow in these qualities you will not be ineffective, if you would just focus on being this person he goes I promise you you will not waste your life, but so many others that try to do this and try to be more effective and try to strategize this there's no guarantee for them but if you grow in these qualities so look over that list and go God am I making every effort because I don't want to waste my life and this is the key to it. [00:27:19]

Don't be so nearsighted that you're blind, man we're only going to see each other for a few years maybe and then boom this is over don't be so nearsighted it's like if I drop my phone right now you guys have done this you drop your phone it cracks and and suddenly you're like oh man look at this thing, I don't get an upgrade for two years why don't I buy the case one suddenly you're staring at this and you forget all about the fact that you're on equal standing with Peter the Apostle you have you've got everything that pertains to life and godliness you're a partaker of the divine nature everything in heaven is yours forever you inherit everything of Jesus but oh man I should have bought a case you use this thing's right there he goes man don't just look at what you can see everything you can see right now was temporary, but it's the invisible things that are Eternal and so you focus on those dwell on those pursue your character and God promises you great things are going to happen in your life. [00:28:49]

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Transcript
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