Prioritizing Eulogy Virtues in Our Daily Lives

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Community and Connection

Engaging in a community is more than just attending gatherings; it is about building meaningful relationships that foster spiritual and emotional growth. Within a church family, shared experiences and opportunities for fellowship create a sense of belonging and support. This connection is vital for personal development and spiritual maturity, as it allows individuals to learn from one another, share burdens, and celebrate victories together. By participating in community activities, such as Bible studies or events, individuals can deepen their faith and strengthen their bonds with others. [12:43]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to offer encouragement or support, and how can you make that connection meaningful?

Day 2: Living with Anticipation

Living with the anticipation of Jesus' return is a call to align our daily choices with eternal values. This mindset encourages individuals to live with purpose and intentionality, focusing on what truly matters in life. By prioritizing relationships, integrity, and spiritual growth, believers can ensure that their lives reflect God's will. This anticipation is not about fear or anxiety but about hope and readiness, inspiring a life that honors God and impacts others positively. [35:09]

2 Peter 3:11-12 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God."

Reflection: What is one specific change you can make in your daily routine to live more intentionally with the anticipation of Jesus' return?

Day 3: Eulogy Virtues Over Resume Virtues

In a world that often values external success, focusing on eulogy virtues—qualities that define our character and impact on others—can lead to a more fulfilling life. These virtues, such as kindness, honesty, and faithfulness, are what people will remember at the end of our lives. They reflect our true character and the legacy we leave behind. By prioritizing these virtues over resume virtues, individuals can live authentically and meaningfully, making a lasting difference in the lives of others. [39:13]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: Identify one eulogy virtue you want to cultivate more in your life. What practical steps can you take this week to develop this virtue?

Day 4: Integrity and Influence

Living with integrity and honesty is foundational for building trust and respect. When individuals are known for their integrity, they enhance their influence and credibility, allowing them to positively impact those around them. Integrity involves consistency in actions, values, and principles, even when no one is watching. It is about being true to oneself and to God, ensuring that one's life is a reflection of their faith and beliefs. This authenticity not only strengthens personal relationships but also serves as a powerful witness to others. [01:04:41]

Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where your integrity was tested. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to strengthen your integrity in the future?

Day 5: Encouragement as a Gift

Encouragement is a powerful gift that can uplift others and reflect God's love. Being a master encourager involves intentionally seeking opportunities to provide hope and strength to those in need. Encouragement can transform lives, offering support during difficult times and celebrating achievements. It is a way to share God's grace and compassion, reminding others of their worth and potential. By cultivating a spirit of encouragement, individuals can create a positive and nurturing environment that fosters growth and healing. [01:07:18]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think of someone who might need encouragement today. How can you intentionally reach out to them and offer words of support or acts of kindness?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of living a life that prioritizes eulogy virtues over resume virtues. We began by addressing a light-hearted moment involving a humorous video clip, which served as a reminder of the importance of community and connection within our church family. We then transitioned into discussing the various ways to engage with our church community, highlighting opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth, such as the Forever Young Bible study and an upcoming event featuring Cleveland Browns players sharing their faith journeys.

We moved into a time of communion, reflecting on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the call to live with a constant awareness of His love and grace. This led us to consider how we can live lives that truly honor God, focusing on the virtues that will be remembered at the end of our lives. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, we examined how Paul exemplified being a faithful guardian of the gospel, a caring mother, an encouraging father, and a courageous messenger. These roles highlight the importance of integrity, love, and encouragement in our relationships and spiritual mentorship.

We were challenged to consider how our choices today might change if we lived with the anticipation of Jesus' return. This anticipation should inspire us to prioritize relationships, live with integrity, and be master encouragers. We were reminded that our influence grows when we seek to please God above all else, and that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out these virtues. As we concluded, we were encouraged to reflect on which of these virtues resonate most with us and to seek God's help in cultivating them in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Community and Connection: The importance of community is highlighted through shared experiences and opportunities for fellowship. Engaging with others in our church family helps us grow spiritually and emotionally, fostering a sense of belonging and support. [12:43]
2. Living with Anticipation: The anticipation of Jesus' return should influence our daily choices, encouraging us to live with purpose and intentionality. This mindset helps us prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's will. [35:09]
3. Eulogy Virtues Over Resume Virtues: Focusing on virtues that will be remembered at the end of our lives, such as kindness, honesty, and faithfulness, is more important than external success. These virtues reflect our true character and impact on others. [39:13]
4. Integrity and Influence: Living with integrity and honesty enhances our influence and credibility. When we are known for our integrity, we build trust and respect, allowing us to positively impact those around us. [64:41]
5. Encouragement as a Gift: Being a master encourager is a powerful way to uplift others and reflect God's love. Encouragement can transform lives, providing hope and strength in difficult times. [01:07:18]
** [67:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:43] - Community Opportunities
[16:47] - Communion Reflection
[17:51] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[18:52] - Prayer and Forgiveness
[24:58] - It Is Finished
[25:43] - Victory Over Sin and Death
[26:36] - Gratitude and Transformation
[27:34] - Proclaiming the Lord's Death
[34:06] - Anticipation of Jesus' Return
[35:09] - Living with Purpose
[37:41] - Eulogy vs. Resume Virtues
[39:13] - Character and Influence
[40:23] - Paul's Example of Mentorship
[46:52] - Pleasing God Over People
[57:28] - Integrity and Honesty
[67:18] - Master Encourager
[69:44] - Prayer for Influence
[76:38] - Closing and Farewell

Sermon Clips

1) "Our heart is for you to be able to continue the journey with Jesus in a way that your life really counts. So if we can help you along the way, shoot us an email, give us a call, see us after the service. Also, if you're newer to Grace, they've got a little gift back for you at the welcome desk. They'd be glad to say hi and answer any questions, even today." [16:47] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "What if someone, one of your friends, you're like, wow, just yesterday, they died for me. Like, they rescued me at the cost of their life. Like, it would fill you with gratitude. Like, you'd be like, that's amazing. And Jesus says, that's what I want you to remember." [17:51] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The word tetelestai, like it's paid in full. The death that you and I owe because of all that we've done wrong. He says, no, no, I've got that covered. No more debt I owe. Well, because of what Jesus has done for us, we can be free and forgiven. But he didn't stay dead, right? Three days later, he comes back to life. Hundreds of eyewitnesses." [25:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Would your choices today change if you knew that Jesus might come again tomorrow? Hopefully, you have some notes to follow along. If you didn't pick those up on the way in, just on your phone or whatever, just go to graceman .org, and you'll see the notes right there. And also an app that you see up there on the screen, which you can download, and it's got some resources we put up every Monday." [42:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Paul says, you know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without you. You know, we have previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know. But with the help of our God, we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We're not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts." [46:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "With the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will be a God pleaser, not a people pleaser. Paul puts it this way in verse four. He says, we're not trying to please people, but God who tests our hearts. It's a theme you see over and over again in the Bible that when we have a fear of people or a desire just to please other people, it's, it's like a no one situation, right?" [57:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Integrity matters because it lets your influence grow. And if it just come clean, even if it hurts and just be honest, right? Integrity matters. Paul says, that's the way I sought to live with you. And it's the way I go. I want to be like Paul. I haven't always gotten that one right. I'll be honest, but I go, that's what I want to be by the power of the spirit. I want to do that." [01:05:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "With the power of the Holy spirit within you to be able to say, I will be a master encourager. We read this one earlier. Verse 12, Paul says, we're encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God with all the negativity in our world today. And people just feel like, man, I just feel beaten up or whatever. Being a master encourager is such a gift and value." [01:07:18] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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