Putting Jesus First: Values for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be with you today. As we gather, I want to remind us of our mission: to put Jesus first in our lives for the sake of our neighbors. This mission is our moral compass, guiding us in our daily walk with Christ. Today, we conclude our series on "Put Jesus First," but this commitment continues beyond this series. We've discussed our mission, marks of maturity, values, and pathways to accomplish our mission.
Our values are the expected behaviors of our church family. They attract like-minded individuals, provide direction, and foster unity. These values are: taking the next step, sharing the hope of Jesus, standing on the Word, and walking by the Spirit. Each value is crucial for our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of our mission.
Taking the next step means constantly growing and moving forward in our faith. Living things grow, and as followers of Christ, we are called to bear fruit and prove to be His disciples. Sharing the hope of Jesus involves courage and love. Often, we don't share our faith because we lack courage or fear disrupting relationships. However, the fundamental reason is that we may not love Jesus as deeply as we should.
Standing on the Word is about grounding ourselves in the Bible, not in culture, opinions, or feelings. The Bible is timeless and true, providing guidance and wisdom. Psalm 1 highlights the blessings of delighting in and meditating on God's Word. Those who do so are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and prospering.
Walking by the Spirit means living in a way that pleases Jesus, not gratifying the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers us to live holy lives, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our confidence and assurance come from Christ, not our own merits.
As we reflect on these values, let's ask ourselves how we are doing individually and as a church. Are we taking the next step, sharing the hope of Jesus, standing on the Word, and walking by the Spirit? Let's pray for God's help to live out these values and be a church that glorifies Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Taking the Next Step: Spiritual growth is a continuous journey. Living things grow, and as followers of Christ, we are called to bear fruit and prove to be His disciples. This involves constant movement and yielding our lives to Jesus. Growth is not about having everything together but about being obedient and allowing the Spirit to take ground in our hearts. [47:10]
2. Sharing the Hope of Jesus: Sharing our faith requires courage and love. Often, we hesitate because we fear disrupting relationships or lack confidence. However, the fundamental reason is that we may not love Jesus as deeply as we should. When we truly love Him, sharing His hope becomes a natural overflow of our lives. [50:29]
3. Standing on the Word: The Bible is our foundation, providing timeless and true guidance. Psalm 1 highlights the blessings of delighting in and meditating on God's Word. Those who do so are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and prospering. Standing on the Word means grounding ourselves in Scripture, not in culture, opinions, or feelings. [52:06]
4. Walking by the Spirit: Living by the Spirit means not gratifying the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers us to live holy lives, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. Our confidence and assurance come from Christ, not our own merits. Walking by the Spirit involves a conscious effort to please Jesus in our daily lives. [01:01:02]
5. Unity and Growth through Knowledge of Christ: As we grow in the knowledge of the Son of God, we experience more unity and maturity. The key to unity, growth, and movement is leaning into the knowledge of Jesus. This knowledge is inexhaustible and continually transforms us, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more unified church. [48:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:01] - Opening Prayer
[39:10] - Series Conclusion: Put Jesus First
[40:11] - Marks of Maturity and Pathways
[41:11] - Values and Corporate Behavior
[43:20] - Value 1: Take a Next Step
[43:51] - Reading Psalm 1
[45:07] - Importance of Values
[47:10] - Living Things Grow
[49:54] - Value 2: Share the Hope of Jesus
[52:06] - Value 3: Stand on the Word
[56:30] - Meditate on the Word
[59:31] - Value 4: Walk by the Spirit
[01:01:02] - Living by the Spirit
[01:10:03] - Final Reflections and Questions
[01:11:18] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-6 - "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."
2. John 15:8 - "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
3. Galatians 5:16-18 - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of a blessed person? How are they compared to a tree? ([43:51])
2. In John 15:8, what is the evidence that glorifies the Father and proves we are Jesus' disciples? ([39:10])
3. What does Galatians 5:16-18 say about the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit? ([59:31])
4. What are the four values mentioned in the sermon that are expected behaviors of the church family? ([45:07])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does meditating on God's Word day and night, as described in Psalm 1, influence a person's life and decisions? ([43:51])
2. What does it mean to bear fruit in the context of John 15:8, and how does this relate to proving we are Jesus' disciples? ([39:10])
3. How can walking by the Spirit help us overcome the desires of the flesh, according to Galatians 5:16-18? ([59:31])
4. Why might the lack of courage or deep love for Jesus hinder us from sharing the hope of Jesus with others? ([50:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 1, how can you incorporate more meditation on God's Word into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take this week? ([43:51])
2. In what ways can you actively bear fruit in your life to glorify God and prove to be His disciple, as mentioned in John 15:8? ([39:10])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with the desires of the flesh. How can you consciously walk by the Spirit to overcome this struggle? ([59:31])
4. Think of a recent situation where you hesitated to share the hope of Jesus. What was the main reason for your hesitation, and how can you address it moving forward? ([50:29])
5. How can you take the next step in your spiritual growth this week? Identify one specific action you will take to move forward in your faith journey. ([47:10])
6. What practical ways can you stand on the Word of God in your daily life, especially when faced with cultural or societal pressures? ([52:06])
7. Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Choose one aspect to focus on this month. What specific action will you take to cultivate this fruit in your interactions with others? ([59:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Continuous Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey that requires constant movement and yielding our lives to Jesus. Living things grow, and as followers of Christ, we are called to bear fruit and prove to be His disciples. This growth is not about having everything together but about being obedient and allowing the Spirit to take ground in our hearts. It involves taking the next step in our faith, no matter how small, and trusting that God will guide us along the way.
As we grow in our faith, we become more like Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us. This process of growth is ongoing and requires us to be intentional about our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in community. By taking the next step, we demonstrate our commitment to following Jesus and our desire to become more like Him. [47:10]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one specific step you can take today to grow in your faith? How can you be intentional about this step and trust God to guide you?
Day 2: Courageous and Loving Evangelism
Sharing the hope of Jesus requires courage and love. Often, we hesitate to share our faith because we fear disrupting relationships or lack confidence. However, the fundamental reason is that we may not love Jesus as deeply as we should. When we truly love Him, sharing His hope becomes a natural overflow of our lives. Our love for Jesus should compel us to share the good news with others, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging.
Evangelism is an act of love, both for Jesus and for those who need to hear about Him. It involves stepping out in faith and trusting that God will use our words and actions to draw others to Himself. By sharing the hope of Jesus, we participate in His mission to bring salvation to the world and demonstrate our commitment to putting Him first in our lives. [50:29]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope of Jesus. How can you share your faith with them in a loving and courageous way today?
Day 3: Grounded in Scripture
The Bible is our foundation, providing timeless and true guidance. Psalm 1 highlights the blessings of delighting in and meditating on God's Word. Those who do so are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and prospering. Standing on the Word means grounding ourselves in Scripture, not in culture, opinions, or feelings. The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and wisdom, and it should be the foundation of our lives.
By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we gain a deeper understanding of His character and His will for our lives. This knowledge equips us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and discernment. As we stand on the Word, we are strengthened in our faith and empowered to live in a way that honors God. [52:06]
Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Reflection: How can you make time to meditate on God's Word today? What specific passage or verse will you focus on, and how can it guide your actions and decisions?
Day 4: Living by the Spirit
Living by the Spirit means not gratifying the desires of the flesh. The Spirit empowers us to live holy lives, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our confidence and assurance come from Christ, not our own merits. Walking by the Spirit involves a conscious effort to please Jesus in our daily lives and to rely on His strength rather than our own.
The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, enabling us to live in a way that honors God. By yielding to the Spirit, we are transformed from the inside out and become more like Christ. This transformation is evident in our attitudes, actions, and relationships. As we walk by the Spirit, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us and become a powerful witness to His love and grace. [01:01:02]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to walk by the Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome this struggle and live in a way that pleases Jesus?
Day 5: Unity and Growth through Knowledge of Christ
As we grow in the knowledge of the Son of God, we experience more unity and maturity. The key to unity, growth, and movement is leaning into the knowledge of Jesus. This knowledge is inexhaustible and continually transforms us, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more unified church. By focusing on Jesus and His teachings, we are drawn closer to one another and equipped to fulfill our mission as His followers.
Unity in the church is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace. As we grow in our understanding of Christ, we become more aligned with His purposes and more effective in our witness. This growth requires intentional effort and a commitment to learning and applying the truths of Scripture. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, we contribute to the overall health and unity of the church. [48:51]
Ephesians 4:13 (ESV): "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: How can you deepen your knowledge of Jesus today? What steps can you take to contribute to the unity and growth of your church community?
Quotes
1. "We have been created to worship you. We all worship various things and persons and pursuits, and by way of the Holy Spirit of power, you have illuminated our minds and hearts to see the truthfulness, the compelling nature of Jesus. And so, Jesus, I pray that right now, every man, woman, boy, girl in the room, those who are online, that we would continue to worship you as we hear the word preached, and we believe and do your word, abiding in you, where we will experience not only fullness of joy, but we will bear fruit and prove that we are your disciples." [38:33] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We wanna put Jesus first in our lives for our neighbors. Several months ago, we talked about marks of maturity. As you think about vision of a church, you think about mission and marks of maturity, values and paths, we're kinda like sides of a house, and marks of maturity were questions that we posed several months ago that you were to ask yourself. How do I know that I'm seeing the mission of Graceland take root and get traction in my life? How do I know I'm seeking to put Jesus first in my life for my neighbor?" [40:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Living things move, living things grow. I love what Pastor Ryan read from John 15. He says, bear fruit, and in bearing fruit, you prove to be my disciple. God's expectation is that we would bear fruit. God's expectation is that we would move. Now, when we say move, we don't mean like physically, but that the Spirit of God would continue to take ground in our heart, and that we would yield our lives to Jesus. Bearing fruit, being obedient, is the DNA of a believer. It's the pattern. It's to be the rhythm of our life." [47:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The key to happiness, the key to be a blessed man, a blessed woman, a blessed boy, a blessed girl is to follow the guidance and instruction that comes from God, not from our heart. Not from our feelings. I mean, one of the most dangerous things that we can tell a young person or tell ourselves or tell an older person is to follow your heart. I mean, how often has our heart led us down a path of foolishness and rebellion and sin? Our heart is deceitful of all things. Who can know it?" [53:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you will yield your life to the Bible, the Bible will change your life because the spirit of God uses the Bible. It will make a sad person joyful. It does not mean that you won't go through tumultuous times, it doesn't mean that you won't go through difficult times, it doesn't mean that you'll have highs, you won't have lows, but the key to, the key to flourishing, the key to having our hearts illuminated so we can see Jesus anew and afresh is actually to yield ourselves to the Bible it will make a simple immature foolish person wise we want to be a people who stand on the word." [55:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Living by the spirit makes us aware of the privileges and the promises that we have in Christ it does not mean that men and women who know Christ won't sin it does not mean that what it means is that the spirit of God who dwells us who indwells in us will help us to continually consciously not grieve Jesus that there's a lot of things that are black and white but so much of the Christian life is just the way of wisdom how do I please Jesus." [01:02:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The works of the flesh honor who? Satan. The works of the flesh are against the Spirit. So when you're like, oh, I just wasn't very patient with my kids. Or I just lacked self-control with my neighbor. Or I was just a jackbutt to my colleague. Or I was just so incredibly unloving. I get it, that is true. We do that every day. But it's actually more serious than that. The fruit, it's not fruits. It's not like, you know, I got the joy thing down, but I don't have the faithfulness down. That's why in the original language, it's the fruit. It's not the fruits. We actually mistranslate. It's the fruit of the Spirit. It all comes together." [01:07:15] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are a church that will unashamedly, with humility, reliance upon Jesus. We're going to stand on the Bible. It's not my words, not your words, not majority opinion. We have to stand on something that's timeless. It is the Bible. It is the Bible. We are a church that stands on the revealed Word of God, the Bible. That's all we got. That's all we got. So we're going to be a church that stands on the Word." [01:08:52] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Imagine what would happen with more Mary Wolfe's and Jonathan Lee's, those testimonies, those testimonies of baptism. What would it look like if you and I got serious about resting in the finished work of Christ and began to have a sense of urgency? God, give me courage. Help me to love my neighbors, love my spouse, love my kids, love my colleagues. Help me to love them, to share Jesus. Y'all, we wouldn't have enough services at Graceland. So I just think if we will stay true to standing on the Word, taking the next step, sharing the hope of Jesus, and walking by the Spirit, what will God do through our church?" [01:09:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We wanna be a people. We wanna be a church that abides in you, as Pastor Ryan said just minutes ago. So for fullness of joy, a depth of joy, so that we can bear fruit and show others about the fact that we are your disciples. We're your followers. We need your help. We, we struggle. We struggle. And so would you encourage us? Would you give us internal fortitude? And even now in the next several minutes as we pray, would you compel people to come pray in their seat perhaps, but just on these steps, just to let the spirit of God do business in their heart. We pray there'd be an openness and a receptiveness in the next several minutes as we sing to you, as we pray to you, and ultimately as we worship you in all that we do and say." [01:12:08] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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