Recalibrating Our Identity as Witnesses in Christ
Summary
### Summary
As we enter the back-to-school season, it's a time for recalibration and refocusing on what truly matters. This period invites us to reflect on our identity as witnesses of God's work in our lives. The Israelites were called to be witnesses, but they often forgot their purpose, much like we do today. God reminded them of His mighty acts and His covenant, urging them to remember their identity as His treasured possession. This call to remember is not just for their benefit but for the world, as they were to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, exemplified what it means to be a witness. He lived a life of service, humility, and sacrifice, ultimately dying on the cross and rising again to give us life. After His ascension, He promised the Holy Spirit, empowering us to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are part of this long line of witnesses, called to testify to God's work in our lives and the world.
Being a disciple of Jesus means more than just studying His teachings; it involves adopting His way of life. We are called to live out our faith through core practices: gathering together, growing together, giving together, and going on mission together. Today, we focus on the importance of gathering. Gathering as a community is crucial for spiritual health, much like regular exercise is for physical health. It reshapes us, forms us, and helps us hold unswervingly to our hope in Christ.
In a world that constantly competes for our attention, prioritizing gathering with God's people is essential. It's not about being a consumer of worship but a participant, coming with an expectant heart to meet God. Gathering together with Christ at the center transforms us and allows us to be part of something greater than ourselves. It’s a reminder that we are not just fans but active participants in God's mission. Let us not give up meeting together, for in doing so, we encourage one another and witness God's work in our midst.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity as Witnesses: Our identity as witnesses is deeply rooted in God's redemptive plan. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God's mighty acts, we too are called to remember and testify to His work in our lives. This identity is not just for our benefit but for the world, as we are to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. [28:54]
2. Jesus as the Ultimate Witness: Jesus exemplified what it means to be a witness through His life of service, humility, and sacrifice. He did not cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself to serve humanity. His death and resurrection are the greatest testimonies of God's love and power, and we are called to continue this witness through the power of the Holy Spirit. [30:16]
3. The Importance of Gathering: Gathering together as a community is crucial for our spiritual health. It helps us hold unswervingly to our hope in Christ and encourages us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. In a world that competes for our attention, prioritizing this gathering is essential for our spiritual formation. [43:09]
4. Intentional Worship: When we gather, we must come with a posture of intentionality and expectation. We are not consumers of worship but participants, coming with open hearts and minds to meet God. This intentionality transforms our gatherings from routine activities into powerful encounters with God. [50:44]
5. Christ at the Center: Gathering with Christ at the center means He calls the shots. We are not members of a country club but enlisted in God's mission. Our gatherings are not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as God works through us to impact those around us. [52:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:03] - Back to School and New Rhythms
[27:39] - The Importance of Direction
[28:54] - Remembering God's Mighty Acts
[29:35] - God's Redemptive Plan
[30:16] - Jesus as the Ultimate Witness
[31:22] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[32:09] - Personal Testimonies of God's Work
[33:20] - Identity as Witnesses
[33:56] - The Great Commission
[34:32] - Understanding Discipleship
[36:24] - Competing Discipleships
[38:10] - Core Rhythms of Discipleship
[39:50] - The Importance of Gathering
[41:32] - Encouragement in Gathering
[43:09] - Regular and Intentional Gathering
[46:04] - Prioritizing God in Our Lives
[47:39] - The Power of Community
[49:04] - Intentional Worship
[50:44] - Resisting Consumerism
[52:27] - Christ at the Center
[54:10] - Todd's Story
[01:01:45] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:08:12] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 19:4-6: "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
2. Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
3. Hebrews 10:22-25: "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
### Observation Questions
1. What did God remind the Israelites of in Exodus 19:4-6, and why was it important for them to remember? ([28:54])
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what are they called to do? ([31:22])
3. In Hebrews 10:22-25, what are believers encouraged to do, and why is it important not to give up meeting together? ([41:32])
4. How did Jesus exemplify being a witness through His life and actions, as described in the sermon? ([30:16])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God called the Israelites to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" in Exodus 19:4-6? How does this relate to our identity as witnesses today? ([28:54])
2. What does it mean to receive power from the Holy Spirit according to Acts 1:8, and how does this empower believers to be witnesses? ([31:22])
3. How does gathering together as a community, as mentioned in Hebrews 10:22-25, contribute to spiritual health and encouragement among believers? ([41:32])
4. In what ways did Jesus' life of service, humility, and sacrifice serve as the ultimate example of being a witness? How can believers emulate this in their own lives? ([30:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were drifting away from what truly matters. How did you recalibrate and refocus on your identity as a witness of God's work? ([28:18])
2. How can you actively remember and testify to God's mighty acts in your life, similar to how the Israelites were called to remember God's deliverance from Egypt? ([28:54])
3. In what ways can you prioritize gathering with God's people, even when the world competes for your attention? What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your life? ([43:09])
4. How can you come to worship with a posture of intentionality and expectation, rather than as a consumer? What changes can you make to your mindset or actions to achieve this? ([50:44])
5. Think of a specific instance where you witnessed God's work through the community of believers. How did this experience impact your faith and your commitment to gathering together? ([54:10])
6. Identify one area in your life where you can adopt Jesus' way of life more fully. What specific actions can you take to live out your faith through service, humility, and sacrifice? ([30:16])
7. How can you encourage and spur on others in your community toward love and good deeds? Share a practical example of how you can do this in the coming week. ([41:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Identity as Witnesses
Description: Our identity as witnesses is deeply rooted in God's redemptive plan. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God's mighty acts, we too are called to remember and testify to His work in our lives. This identity is not just for our benefit but for the world, as we are to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. The Israelites often forgot their purpose, and God had to remind them of His mighty acts and His covenant, urging them to remember their identity as His treasured possession. This call to remember is crucial for us today as well, as it shapes our understanding of who we are and what we are called to do. [28:54]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where you witnessed God's work in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone this week to encourage them in their faith?
Day 2: Jesus as the Ultimate Witness
Description: Jesus exemplified what it means to be a witness through His life of service, humility, and sacrifice. He did not cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself to serve humanity. His death and resurrection are the greatest testimonies of God's love and power, and we are called to continue this witness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' life and actions provide a model for us to follow, showing us that being a witness involves more than words; it requires a life lived in service to others and in obedience to God. [30:16]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you can serve others more selflessly. What practical steps can you take this week to follow Jesus' example of humility and service?
Day 3: The Importance of Gathering
Description: Gathering together as a community is crucial for our spiritual health. It helps us hold unswervingly to our hope in Christ and encourages us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. In a world that competes for our attention, prioritizing this gathering is essential for our spiritual formation. Regular and intentional gathering with other believers reshapes us, forms us, and helps us stay focused on our faith. It is not just about attending church services but about being an active participant in a community that seeks to grow together in Christ. [43:09]
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: How can you make gathering with your church community a priority this week? What specific actions can you take to encourage and support others in your community?
Day 4: Intentional Worship
Description: When we gather, we must come with a posture of intentionality and expectation. We are not consumers of worship but participants, coming with open hearts and minds to meet God. This intentionality transforms our gatherings from routine activities into powerful encounters with God. Worship is not about what we can get out of it but about what we bring to it—our hearts, our minds, and our willingness to be transformed by God's presence. By approaching worship with intentionality, we allow God to work in us and through us in profound ways. [50:44]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice."
Reflection: Before your next worship gathering, take a moment to prepare your heart and mind. What can you do to come with an expectant and open heart to meet God?
Day 5: Christ at the Center
Description: Gathering with Christ at the center means He calls the shots. We are not members of a country club but enlisted in God's mission. Our gatherings are not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as God works through us to impact those around us. When Christ is at the center, our focus shifts from ourselves to His mission and purpose. This perspective helps us see our gatherings as opportunities to be equipped and sent out to make a difference in the world. [52:27]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: How can you ensure that Christ remains at the center of your life and your gatherings? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with His mission and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, this is the greatest news of all time. This is the greatest story. The truest story. It's what our hearts long for. But after the ascension. After he was killed. And raised to life. And ascended to the Father. He gave a promise. And he delivered on that promise. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church." [31:22] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are witnesses, friends. I'm a witness to what he's done in my life. I imagine if you stop for a moment. And think about what God has done. Or if you've ever paid attention to what God has done. We forget so easily, don't we? But I've seen God come to me. In my darkest moments. In my most difficult moments." [32:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We come together to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who is working always in our midst. And we are witnesses of these things. And no, it's not exactly the same, because you know what? You're not just a fan, you're actually in the game. So you have an even more important role to play. But when we gather together, there is a mutual encouragement that happens." [49:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let us not give up hope. Let us not, friends, let us not forget that our hope is in Christ and that when we gather together there is no telling what God might do. Let us spur one another on. Let us encourage one another in the faith. Let us not give up meeting together because we are witnesses of these things." [54:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so, but we know what it is, right? One little, one little mistake. Or one, just one miscalibration can lead us. And it's one thing if we're on vacation. And we're not making good time. It's another thing in life. If we forget what really matters. And this is what the Israelites needed to remember. What God told them to remember." [28:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And all of this is all because he wants to do something amazing through them. It's not even really just for them. But it's what he wants to do through them. You see these are the people that he's bringing about his redemptive plan for the whole world. He says, you'll be a nation of mediators. Of people who will bring this message of hope." [29:35] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To be a disciple is to be an apprentice. It is to study, yes. But more than study, it is to, under the lordship of Jesus, to take the whole life of the master teacher and adopt it as your own. To walk in the ways of Jesus. Listen, none of you are Jesus. And while I appreciate the what would Jesus do thing, I think sometimes the better question is what would Jesus do if he were you?" [35:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We gather together regularly because it reshapes us, it forms us. Let us hold unswervingly to this hope. Let us not give up meeting together, but let us meet on a regular basis together. Meeting regularly is important, friends. Now, regularly implies a couple things. First of all, we don't gather continuously. This is not your life, right? What happens in this space is not everything." [43:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We gather together regularly. We gather together intentionally. And we gather together with Christ at the center. That means He gets to call the shots. When Christ is at the center, it's not about the perks. You're not a member of a country club when you join the church. You're enlisted. You're enlisted as a part of God's army. You're enlisted. For service. You're enlisted to be a stakeholder in the greatest mission that the world has ever known because we are witnesses of what God's done." [52:27] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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