Reclaiming Our Image: Boldness, Compassion, and Relatability
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of reclaiming our image as children of God, focusing on how we see ourselves and how that impacts our representation of Christ. We began by acknowledging that although we are made in God's image, we often fail to reflect Jesus in our daily lives. This disconnect can be a stumbling block for both believers and non-believers. We discussed the importance of embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as a daily practice to better reflect Christ.
We then delved into three specific image problems the church needs to address: timidity, lack of compassion, and being socially awkward or "weird." First, we need to be less timid and more bold in our faith. Boldness comes from the confidence that God is with us, guiding us, and that we are doing His work. We should not be ashamed of our faith but should share it openly and confidently.
Second, we need to be more compassionate. Too often, believers are more concerned with their own needs than with the needs of the lost and dying world around them. Jesus exemplified compassion, and we are called to do the same. Compassionate actions, such as feeding the hungry and caring for the sick, are ways we can show Christ's love to others.
Lastly, we need to be less weird. Being bold and compassionate does not mean being socially awkward or hyper-religious. Jesus was relatable and approachable, and we should strive to be the same. We need to communicate in a way that is understandable and relatable to those around us, avoiding Christian jargon that can alienate non-believers.
In conclusion, reclaiming our image involves being bold, compassionate, and relatable. By doing so, we can better reflect Christ and fulfill our mission to share the gospel with the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Boldness in Faith: We need to reclaim our boldness as children of God. Boldness comes from the confidence that God is with us and that we are doing His work. We should not be ashamed of our faith but should share it openly and confidently, knowing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. [01:10:19]
2. Compassionate Actions: Compassion is a hallmark of Jesus' ministry and should be a defining characteristic of our lives as well. Too often, we are more concerned with our own needs than with the needs of others. By showing compassion—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick—we reflect Christ's love and fulfill our calling. [01:18:24]
3. Relatability and Authenticity: Being bold and compassionate does not mean being socially awkward or hyper-religious. Jesus was relatable and approachable, and we should strive to be the same. We need to communicate in a way that is understandable and relatable to those around us, avoiding Christian jargon that can alienate non-believers. [01:24:29]
4. Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit: Embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be a daily practice. These attributes not only reflect Christ but also make us more effective witnesses to the world. [01:03:07]
5. Self-Image and Confidence: How we see ourselves impacts how we present ourselves to the world. Building self-confidence in our identity as children of God enables us to be more effective in our witness. Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ and embracing that identity fully. [01:05:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[57:28] - Digital Age and Online Services
[57:55] - The Tarantula Incident
[59:35] - Upcoming Events
[01:00:21] - Summer Sermon Series Overview
[01:01:03] - Reclaiming Unity
[01:01:50] - Reclaiming Our Image
[01:02:38] - Living in God's Image
[01:03:07] - Fruits of the Spirit
[01:03:30] - Quotes on Christian Living
[01:05:01] - Internal Perspective on Image
[01:06:21] - Three Image Problems
[01:06:57] - Less Timidity
[01:09:18] - Boldness in Faith
[01:15:21] - More Compassion
[01:20:31] - Less Weird
[01:24:29] - Relatability and Authenticity
[01:26:28] - Call to Action
[01:34:53] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-27: "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.' So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
2. 1 John 4:4: "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
3. Matthew 25:34-40: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-27, in whose image are we created, and what responsibilities are given to us?
2. In 1 John 4:4, what assurance do we have about the power within us compared to the world?
3. What acts of compassion are highlighted in Matthew 25:34-40, and how do they relate to serving Jesus?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27) influence our self-image and confidence as Christians?
2. What does 1 John 4:4 imply about the source of our boldness and confidence in our faith?
3. How can the acts of compassion described in Matthew 25:34-40 be seen as a reflection of Christ's love in our daily lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Boldness in Faith: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt timid about sharing your faith. What could you do differently next time to be more bold, knowing that God is with you?
2. Compassionate Actions: Identify a specific need in your community (e.g., hunger, sickness, loneliness). What practical steps can you take this week to show compassion and meet that need?
3. Relatability and Authenticity: Think of a time when you used Christian jargon that might have confused or alienated a non-believer. How can you communicate your faith more clearly and relatably in the future?
4. Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit: Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action can you take to cultivate this attribute in your interactions with others?
5. Self-Image and Confidence: How do you currently see yourself in relation to being a child of God? What steps can you take to build your confidence in this identity and let it positively impact your witness to others?
6. Avoiding Social Awkwardness: Have you ever felt that being bold in your faith made you come across as socially awkward? How can you balance being bold and compassionate without being perceived as "weird"?
7. Practical Compassion: Reflect on Matthew 25:34-40. Is there someone in your life who is in need of compassion (e.g., a neighbor, coworker, or family member)? What specific act of kindness can you perform for them this week to reflect Christ's love?
Devotional
### Day 1: Boldness in Faith
Theme: Confidence in God's presence empowers bold faith.
Description: Boldness in faith is not about being loud or aggressive; it is about having the confidence that God is with you and that you are doing His work. This confidence allows you to share your faith openly and without shame. Many believers struggle with timidity, fearing judgment or rejection. However, the Bible reminds us that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. This means that the power and presence of God within us are far greater than any opposition we might face.
When we reclaim our boldness, we become more effective witnesses for Christ. Boldness is not about self-confidence but about God-confidence. It is about trusting that God will give us the words to say and the courage to say them. By stepping out in faith, we can share the gospel more effectively and inspire others to do the same. [01:10:19]
Bible Passage: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt timid about sharing your faith. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and power in that moment to act boldly?
### Day 2: Compassionate Actions
Theme: Reflecting Christ's love through acts of compassion.
Description: Compassion is a defining characteristic of Jesus' ministry and should be a hallmark of our lives as well. Too often, we are more concerned with our own needs than with the needs of others. Jesus exemplified compassion by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and caring for the marginalized. As His followers, we are called to do the same. Compassionate actions are tangible expressions of Christ's love and can have a profound impact on those around us.
By showing compassion, we not only meet the physical needs of others but also demonstrate the love of Christ in a way that words alone cannot. Acts of kindness, such as feeding the hungry or caring for the sick, are powerful testimonies of our faith. They show that we are not just hearers of the Word but doers as well. [01:18:24]
Bible Passage: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your community who is in need. What is one compassionate action you can take today to show them the love of Christ?
### Day 3: Relatability and Authenticity
Theme: Being approachable and genuine in our faith.
Description: Being bold and compassionate does not mean being socially awkward or hyper-religious. Jesus was relatable and approachable, and we should strive to be the same. Often, Christians can come across as "weird" or out of touch because they use Christian jargon or behave in ways that are not relatable to non-believers. It is important to communicate our faith in a way that is understandable and relatable to those around us.
Authenticity is key to building genuine relationships. People are more likely to be receptive to the gospel when they see that we are real and approachable. This means being honest about our struggles and not pretending to have it all together. By being relatable and authentic, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith. [01:24:29]
Bible Passage: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your interactions with non-believers. How can you be more relatable and authentic in your conversations about faith?
### Day 4: Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit
Theme: Daily practice of embodying the fruits of the Spirit.
Description: Embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be a daily practice for every believer. These attributes not only reflect Christ but also make us more effective witnesses to the world. When we live out these qualities, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Living out the fruits of the Spirit requires intentionality and reliance on God's strength. It is not something we can do on our own. By spending time in prayer and reading the Word, we can cultivate these attributes in our lives. As we grow in these areas, we become more like Christ and better reflect His image to those around us. [01:03:07]
Bible Passage: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: Choose one fruit of the Spirit that you struggle with. What steps can you take today to cultivate this attribute in your life?
### Day 5: Self-Image and Confidence
Theme: Embracing our identity as children of God.
Description: How we see ourselves impacts how we present ourselves to the world. Building self-confidence in our identity as children of God enables us to be more effective in our witness. Confidence comes from knowing who we are in Christ and embracing that identity fully. When we understand that we are made in God's image and that we are His beloved children, it changes the way we live and interact with others.
Self-image is not about vanity or self-importance; it is about recognizing our worth and value in God's eyes. This understanding gives us the confidence to step out in faith and share the gospel with others. By embracing our identity as children of God, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are part of God's plan. [01:05:19]
Bible Passage: "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." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your self-image. How does knowing that you are a child of God change the way you see yourself and your purpose in life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We should be looking like him where we go. And I'll talk more about that. But we talked a few weeks back in this series on reclaiming our fruit. And we talked about joy. We talked about truly walking in love, joy, peace, and patience, and kindness, and goodness, and faithfulness. And gentleness, and self-control. If you've never heard the song, go and listen to it because you can memorize all of them really easily." [01:02:38] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. Scary, but real. Eddie, I don't mean to misquote you, but your walk-walk has to match what your talk-talk, your talk-talk has to match your walk-walk, something like that. Don't just talk it, live it every day of your life." [01:03:30] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to be bold because we have a job to do. Mark 16 tells us this is another passage where the Great Commission comes from. It's not the one we quote all the time but it says it again. Verse 15 Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved but anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. But we got a goal. Do you understand that?" [01:10:41] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to recognize who we are and who he is because he is God and I am not. He is not here as some kind of spiritual cosmic ATM machine that I can go to when I need a problem fixed. He's the creator of the universe and I need to recognize that. I need to recognize who he is and I need to walk in that same kind of thing but we get concerned about ourselves all the time." [01:16:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to learn how to talk in normal English and not just Christianese you know what Christianese is hang out with some people you'll figure it out we need to we need to recognize that that the world around us wants transparency and authenticity more than they want us to quote Bible verses to them right? we need to realize that as the saying goes people will care how much you know once they know how much you care." [01:24:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We define the culture of our lives by what we do and what we allow to be done. And two, the question we have to ask, what is the culture of my world? We have to ask it all the time. Now, this whole thing started out as taking control of our individual lives. And we've talked about that, but we've shifted gears. And now we're looking at taking control of our church life, taking control of our church life. And today we're going to continue looking at reclaiming some stuff." [01:00:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "For being made in the image of God and thankfully called children of God, the body of Christ spends way too much time not looking like our Jesus, okay? We spend way too much time not looking like Jesus, especially seeing that we're created in his image and that we are called children of God. We should be looking like him where we go." [01:02:38] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Too many believers lack biblical boldness. Too many believers lack the boldness that we should have as children of God. There are so many verses throughout the scripture. Old Testament that talk about how believers should be bold. Bold in life because of our confidence in Jesus Christ and the truth that no matter what happens in his life, he is with us. Amen?" [01:06:57] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Too many believers are more concerned about themselves than the lost and dying world around them. There was a video I saw the other day on one of the social media things where they were playing Toby Keith's song, It's All About Me. But, good song, it's fun, but the caption said what modern worship is like. And yes, it annoyed me but there was a little bit of truth to it because if we're not careful we can come to church only for what we can get out of church." [01:15:37] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Too many believers think that being bold and compassionate translates to being socially awkward and hyper religious wake your neighbor up and say you wanted to hear this part they do and I'm not being mean and I'm not minimalizing anybody and I'm not watering anything down I'm just telling it how it is too many believers think that if they're gonna be holy they have to be weird and they don't they don't have to be weird they don't have to be awkward." [01:20:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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