Preparing Ourselves and Others for the Grand Miracle

Devotional

Day 1: Identifying as a Chosen Child of God

To be a servant of Christ means to recognize and embrace your identity as a chosen child of God, belonging to His household. Paul’s introduction in Romans reminds us that our primary identity is not found in our achievements, failures, or even our roles, but in being loved and chosen by God through Jesus Christ. This truth is foundational, especially in times of chaos or uncertainty, as it grounds us in God’s unchanging love and purpose. Even when you struggle to fully grasp this identity, remember that God’s presence and grace remain with you, inviting you to rest in the assurance that you are never alone. [37:06]

Romans 1:1 (ESV)
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to believe you are truly a chosen child of God, and how might you invite God to speak truth into that place today?

Day 2: Welcoming All into God’s Household

God’s grace extends beyond boundaries, making all who believe—regardless of background or status—members of His household. Paul’s words to the Ephesians affirm that in Christ, there are no outsiders; everyone is welcomed and included in God’s family. This radical inclusion challenges us to see ourselves and others as fellow citizens and saints, united by the foundation of Christ. As you interact with others today, consider how you can reflect this inclusive love, breaking down barriers and extending belonging to those who may feel like strangers. [39:32]

Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."

Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel like an outsider, and what is one practical way you can extend belonging to them this week?

Day 3: Transformation and Calling through Encounter with Christ

A true encounter with Jesus transforms lives and gives a new calling, as seen in Paul’s dramatic conversion from persecutor to apostle. Paul’s story in Acts 9 shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that God can use even the most unlikely people for His purposes. This transformation is not just about personal change, but about being sent—commissioned—to share the good news and serve others. Reflect on how your own encounters with Christ have shaped your life, and consider what new calling or direction God might be inviting you into today. [44:18]

Acts 9:1-9 (ESV)
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.' The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank."

Reflection: When have you experienced a moment of transformation or redirection because of Jesus, and how might you respond to His calling in a new way this week?

Day 4: Receiving Grace and Embracing the Task

To be set apart by God is to receive His grace freely and to be given a task—not as a burden, but as a joyful response to His love. Grace is not something we can earn or accumulate; it is a gift that calls us to action, to pour into others as we have received. Jesus’ words remind us that as we have received without payment, we are to give without payment, moving beyond spiritual consumption to active participation in God’s mission. Consider how you might move from simply receiving to also giving, letting God’s grace flow through you to others. [46:59]

Matthew 10:8 (ESV)
"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."

Reflection: What is one way you can tangibly share God’s grace with someone else today, moving from being spiritually fed to feeding others?

Day 5: Avoiding Spiritual Gluttony by Sharing Hope and Grace

The miracle of Christ is not meant to be hoarded for personal comfort, but to be shared freely, offering hope and grace to others in need. When faith becomes only about what we receive, we risk spiritual gluttony—an endless cycle of consumption without transformation or outward movement. Instead, we are called to be instruments of peace, love, and hope, sowing these gifts wherever there is need. As you go about your day, look for opportunities to console, understand, and love others, trusting that in giving, you also receive. [56:06]

Luke 6:38 (ESV)
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or offer hope to today, and what specific action will you take to do so?

Sermon Summary

As we gather near the end of the semester, with all its chaos and busyness, it’s important to remember that Christ is not only our King but also our Savior. Just as the angels and shepherds were called to share the good news, we too are invited to proclaim the peace and light that Jesus brings into our darkness. In this season of Advent, our focus has been on preparation—not just for ourselves, but for others as well. The grand miracle of Christ’s coming is not something to be kept to ourselves; it is a gift meant to be shared.

Looking at Paul’s introduction in Romans, we see a model for how to live as those who are set apart for the gospel. Paul identifies himself first as a servant of Christ, then as an apostle, and finally as one set apart for God’s purposes. This identity is rooted in grace—a grace that is freely given, not earned, and that calls us into both belonging and mission. Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming love. Even someone who once persecuted the church can become a vessel for God’s message.

To be set apart, as Paul describes, is twofold: it is to receive grace and to receive a task. Grace is not something we accumulate for ourselves; it is a gift that compels us to action. We are not called to spiritual gluttony, endlessly seeking to be fed without ever feeding others. Instead, as we are nourished by God’s grace, we are sent to nourish others—to share hope, to offer forgiveness, to be instruments of peace in a world that desperately needs it.

The miracle of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection is not just for our comfort or personal assurance. It is a message that changes us and moves us outward, to help others prepare for the coming of Christ in their own lives. As we reflect on this, may we seek a one-to-one ratio: as much as we are fed, let us feed others. We may never know the impact our words or actions have on those around us, but we trust that God uses us to sow seeds of hope and grace. Let us go forth, not seeking only to be consoled, but to console; not only to be loved, but to love. In giving, we receive; in sharing hope, we become part of God’s grand miracle.

Key Takeaways

1. Identity as God’s Chosen Household Paul’s self-identification as a servant of Christ invites us to see ourselves as chosen children of God, members of God’s household. This identity is not based on our merit but on God’s gracious invitation. Even when we struggle to fully embrace this truth, God’s faithfulness remains, and we are never alone in our journey of belonging. [37:06]
2. Grace Received, Task Accepted To be set apart is to receive both grace and a task. Grace is a free, unearned gift, but it is never meant to be hoarded. The task that follows is not burdensome labor, but a passionate response to God’s love—a calling to pour into others as we have been filled. [46:59]
3. Beware of Spiritual Gluttony There is a danger in seeking only to be spiritually fed without ever feeding others. This “spiritual gluttony” turns faith inward and makes church about personal gain rather than communal mission. True discipleship means allowing the gospel to change us so that we can help others experience transformation as well. [49:51]
4. The Miracle Is Meant to Be Shared The grand miracle of Christ is not a private comfort but a public calling. As we celebrate God with us, we are commissioned to share hope, grace, and peace with those around us. Our actions and words may set others on a new path, even if we never see the results. [52:29]
5. In Giving, We Receive The prayer of St. Francis reminds us that fulfillment comes not from seeking consolation or love for ourselves, but from offering it to others. In pardoning, we are pardoned; in giving, we receive; in dying to self, we find eternal life. This is the paradox and promise of the gospel. [56:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Pre-worship Reflections and Community Updates
[02:30] - Call to Worship: Christ Brings Peace
[04:10] - Advent Series Recap: Preparing for the Grand Miracle
[06:00] - Introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Romans
[08:33] - Paul’s Identity: Servant, Apostle, Set Apart
[10:45] - What It Means to Be a Servant of Christ
[12:30] - Belonging to God’s Household
[14:32] - The Meaning of Apostleship
[16:18] - Paul’s Encounter and Transformation
[18:59] - Being Set Apart: Grace and Task
[21:00] - The Danger of Spiritual Gluttony
[23:29] - The Gospel’s Outward Focus
[25:06] - Living the Grand Miracle: Feeding Others
[27:06] - The Prayer of St. Francis and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 1:1-7 (ESV) — > Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 9:1-9 (ESV) — > But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Matthew 10:8 (ESV) — > Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Observation Questions

How does Paul introduce himself in Romans 1:1-7, and what three roles does he claim for himself? ([34:18])
What happened to Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, and how did this event change his life? ([44:18])
According to the sermon, what does it mean to be “set apart” for the gospel? ([46:59])
What warning does the sermon give about “spiritual gluttony,” and how is it described? ([49:51])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes his identity as a servant, an apostle, and one set apart for the gospel in his introduction to the Romans? What does this say about how he views himself and his mission? ([34:18])
The sermon says that being set apart is “twofold: to receive grace and to receive a task.” Why is it important that grace leads to action, not just personal comfort? ([46:59])
The pastor mentions that “spiritual gluttony” is when we only seek to be fed spiritually but never feed others. Why is this a danger for Christians and for the church? ([49:51])
Paul’s story shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming love. How does this challenge the way we see ourselves and others who seem far from God? ([44:18])

Application Questions

The sermon asks if we see ourselves as chosen children of God, members of God’s household. Do you struggle to believe this about yourself? What helps or hinders you from embracing this identity? ([37:06])
Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle was dramatic. Is there an area in your life where you need God’s transforming grace? What would it look like to open yourself to that change? ([44:18])
The sermon warns against “spiritual gluttony”—just wanting to be fed without feeding others. In what ways have you fallen into this pattern? How can you shift your focus outward this week? ([49:51])
The pastor suggests a “one-to-one ratio”: as much as we are fed, we should feed others. Who is someone in your life you can encourage, serve, or share hope with this week? ([52:29])
The miracle of Christ is described as a gift meant to be shared, not kept to ourselves. What is one practical way you can share the hope, grace, or peace of Christ with someone in your daily life? ([52:29])
The prayer of St. Francis says, “It is in giving that we receive.” When have you experienced this truth? Is there a specific way you can give of yourself this week—time, encouragement, forgiveness, or something else? ([56:06])
The sermon says we may never know the impact our words or actions have on others. Does this encourage or discourage you? How can you trust God with the results as you seek to share hope and grace? ([52:29])

Sermon Clips

Let me be clear. I hope you know you’re a chosen child of God. And a second piece of that is, if you feel like you’re having a little bit of trouble with that, know that God’s still with you. Third piece of that is, you’re not alone, because as human beings, we do have trouble fully understanding what it means to identify as a child of God. [00:38:38] (36 seconds) #NotAloneInGrace

Paul was a true apostle, and what does that mean? What does it mean to be a true apostle? An apostle is someone who has been given authority to spread the good news of Jesus Christ by a divine encounter. Many times, the identity of an apostle is given to someone who has had a first-hand encounter and account with Jesus, and that first-hand account with Jesus, there was a commission given, meaning being sent to go and make disciples, to share the good news of Jesus Christ. [00:42:33] (43 seconds) #TransformationAndCommission

One thing that came to my mind when reading this passage and when thinking about what it means to be set apart and how we are receiving God’s grace is that we are then go and do something with it. We’re supposed to go do something with it. [00:48:58] (25 seconds)

How am I getting what I need? How am I being fed over and over and over? And essentially what we come to be a part of is this cycle of, “What is the church doing for me? What does the church offer me? Why should I be a part of this community? What is it going to give to me?” I don’t know if you’ve ever heard this term before. It’s called spiritual gluttony. [00:50:06] (36 seconds)

What Paul is saying in this short passage where he is identifying himself—that’s spiritual gluttony, by the way—is this: what he’s trying to tell the church in Rome is this, just in these simple seven verses in identification: the gospel of Jesus Christ, the birth, life, death, and resurrection, is not just for us to believe and feel good about it. It’s not just to believe and feel good about it over and over and over and over again. It’s to be understanding that this is a gospel that is to change us and move us to help others make change in their lives too. [00:52:06] (46 seconds)

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