Reflecting Christ's Light: Embracing Divine Interruptions
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the transformative power of Jesus Christ and the call to be a reflection of His light in the world. We began by acknowledging the victory we have through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, which makes us more than conquerors. This victory is not just a past event but a present reality that shapes our identity as free, adopted, chosen, and forgiven children of God. We are encouraged to walk in confidence, not in guilt or shame, and to see ourselves as God sees us.
We explored Acts chapter 3, where Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, demonstrate what it means to be the light of the world. Their story illustrates the importance of deep, faith-based relationships and the power of prayer. They show us that God often uses ordinary interruptions in our daily routines to reveal His plans. These divine interruptions are opportunities for us to engage with others from God's perspective, seeing them as image-bearers of God and offering them what they truly need—Jesus.
Peter and John's encounter with the lame man at the temple gate teaches us to be open to God's divine appointments. They saw the man not just as a beggar but as someone in need of healing and hope. By offering him Jesus instead of money, they demonstrated the courage to bring God into the conversation, transforming a routine encounter into a moment of divine intervention.
As we reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, we are challenged to consider how we can give God glory for His work in our lives, who we will pray for and invite to church, and what we expect God to do in our lives and families. We are reminded that God is at work, and we are invited to join Him in His mission, giving Him credit for all He does.
Key Takeaways:
1. Victory in Christ: Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are more than conquerors. This victory shapes our identity as free, adopted, chosen, and forgiven children of God. We are called to walk in confidence, not in guilt or shame, and to see ourselves as God sees us. [29:14]
2. Divine Interruptions: God often uses ordinary interruptions in our daily routines to reveal His plans. These moments are opportunities for us to engage with others from God's perspective, seeing them as image-bearers of God and offering them what they truly need—Jesus. [38:06]
3. Courage to Share Jesus: Sharing Jesus requires the courage to bring God into the conversation. We are called to see people as image-bearers of God and to step into divine opportunities with boldness, offering them the hope and healing found in Christ. [49:57]
4. Walking with Others: As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk with those who are seeking Him. This involves inviting others to church, praying for them by name, and being intentional about building relationships that point to Christ. [57:31]
5. Giving God Credit: When others notice God at work, we must give Him the credit. God is moving in our world, and we are invited to be part of His mission, giving Him glory for all He does and being a light in a dark world. [01:00:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [29:14] - Reflecting on Christmas
- [32:00] - Friends in Faith
- [32:59] - Peter and John's Journey
- [34:08] - Unique Gifts and Callings
- [36:58] - Divine Interruptions
- [38:06] - Routine and Revelation
- [40:54] - The Grind of Routine
- [42:25] - Spiritual Discipline
- [43:48] - Embracing Interruptions
- [45:06] - Seeing from God's Perspective
- [46:23] - Engaging with Courage
- [49:57] - Sharing Jesus Boldly
- [54:14] - Walking with Others
- [59:37] - Giving God Credit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 3:1-10
- Matthew 5:14-16
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 3:1-10, what was the routine of the lame man, and how did Peter and John's actions disrupt this routine? [38:06]
2. How does Matthew 5:14-16 describe the role of believers in the world, and how does this relate to Peter and John's encounter with the lame man?
3. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what transformation occurs in a person who is in Christ, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about identity? [29:14]
4. What specific actions did Peter and John take that demonstrated their willingness to see the lame man from God's perspective? [46:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of "divine interruptions" challenge the way believers view their daily routines and interactions with others? [42:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can reflect the light of Christ in their communities, and how does this align with the teachings in Matthew 5:14-16? [29:14]
3. How does the story of Peter and John in Acts 3 illustrate the courage needed to share Jesus with others, and what might this look like in contemporary settings? [49:57]
4. What does it mean to give God credit for His work in our lives, and how can believers practically do this in their daily interactions? [59:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there moments where you might be missing divine interruptions? How can you create more margin in your day to be open to these opportunities? [44:26]
2. Think of a recent situation where you had the chance to share Jesus with someone. What held you back, and how can you prepare yourself to be more courageous in future opportunities? [49:57]
3. Identify someone in your life who you can pray for by name and invite to church. What steps will you take this week to reach out to them? [57:31]
4. Consider how you view people who are different from you. How can you practice seeing them as image-bearers of God and engage with them from God's perspective? [48:18]
5. Reflect on the past year. What are some specific ways you can give God glory for His work in your life? How will you share these testimonies with others? [01:04:44]
6. What expectations do you have for God’s work in your life and family this year? How can you align your actions and prayers with these expectations? [01:05:32]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of giving God credit into your daily conversations, especially when others notice something positive in your life? [59:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Through Jesus' death and resurrection, believers are transformed into more than conquerors, shaping their identity as free, adopted, chosen, and forgiven children of God. This victory is not merely a historical event but a present reality that defines who they are. As such, they are encouraged to walk in confidence, free from guilt or shame, and to see themselves as God sees them. This understanding empowers them to live boldly, knowing they are deeply loved and valued by God. [29:14]
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see yourself as God sees you? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Recognizing Divine Interruptions
God often uses ordinary interruptions in daily routines to reveal His plans. These moments are opportunities to engage with others from God's perspective, seeing them as image-bearers of God and offering them what they truly need—Jesus. By being open to these divine interruptions, believers can participate in God's work and witness His transformative power in unexpected ways. [38:06]
"And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" (John 9:1-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent interruption in your day. How might God be inviting you to see it as an opportunity to share His love and truth?
Day 3: Courage to Share Jesus
Sharing Jesus requires the courage to bring God into conversations. Believers are called to see people as image-bearers of God and to step into divine opportunities with boldness, offering them the hope and healing found in Christ. This involves being willing to speak about Jesus and His transformative power, even in routine encounters, and trusting that God will use these moments for His glory. [49:57]
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you feel God is prompting you to share Jesus with? What steps can you take to courageously engage in that conversation?
Day 4: Walking with Others in Faith
As followers of Jesus, believers are called to walk with those who are seeking Him. This involves inviting others to church, praying for them by name, and being intentional about building relationships that point to Christ. By walking alongside others, believers can support and encourage them in their faith journey, helping them to experience the love and grace of God. [57:31]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you can intentionally walk alongside in their faith journey? How can you support and encourage them this week?
Day 5: Giving God Credit for His Work
When others notice God at work, believers must give Him the credit. God is moving in the world, and they are invited to be part of His mission, giving Him glory for all He does and being a light in a dark world. By acknowledging God's work and giving Him the credit, believers can point others to His greatness and faithfulness. [01:00:33]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you give God credit for His work in your life today? What specific ways can you be a light to those around you, pointing them to His glory?
Quotes
We explored Acts chapter 3, where Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, demonstrate what it means to be the light of the world. Their story illustrates the importance of deep, faith-based relationships and the power of prayer. They show us that God often uses ordinary interruptions in our daily routines to reveal His plans. These divine interruptions are opportunities for us to engage with others from God's perspective, seeing them as image-bearers of God and offering them what they truly need—Jesus. [00:27:12]
Peter and John's encounter with the lame man at the temple gate teaches us to be open to God's divine appointments. They saw the man not just as a beggar but as someone in need of healing and hope. By offering him Jesus instead of money, they demonstrated the courage to bring God into the conversation, transforming a routine encounter into a moment of divine intervention. [00:38:06]
As we reflect on this past year and look forward to the next, we are challenged to consider how we can give God glory for His work in our lives, who we will pray for and invite to church, and what we expect God to do in our lives and families. We are reminded that God is at work, and we are invited to join Him in His mission, giving Him credit for all He does. [00:57:31]
The rhythm, even of your spiritual journey, even when it feels unfruitful, is so important. The discipline of maintaining, it's like nutrition. I'm still eating. I'm still exercising and beating that soul. Because when the crisis happens, when everything hits the fan, I'm going to need to draw on that storehouse. [00:42:25]
And it's in those moments that we have to have the question, okay, Lord, what are you doing? What are you saying? Why is this different? What would you like to show me, teach me, reveal in me? How would you like to use me in this moment? But if we're not careful, when those interruptions do come and they break up our routine, as much as you may hate the routine, you hate an interruption to your routine. [00:43:48]
Sharing Jesus requires the courage to bring God up in the conversation, that Jesus makes the difference. This is not in any way an effort to pat myself on the back, but just to give you an example of what this can look like in our everyday. Just this past week, I was at my church, and I was at my new favorite restaurant in town again. [00:49:57]
And so here's the question. Do we see people as image bearers of God, or, and this is going to sound harsh, but it's true, or do we just see them as a pawn to get what is important to us in the moment? Just a question. Here's the next thing I want us to see from verses 7 through 10. [00:54:14]
May we choose to walk with those who follow Jesus. Let's read verses 7 through 10 as this example of Peter and John continuing to live out as a light of the world. He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Now, was this Peter? I think this was Peter. Could have been John. It doesn't say. I don't know that that matters. [00:57:31]
He took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God and recognized him, notice this, they recognized him as the one at the beautiful gate of the temple asking for alms, because all of them had walked past this joker every day and ignored him. [00:59:37]
And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. This is unbelievable. Here's what I find fascinating about this story, and we're just going to make some assumptions, Daryl. Here's this guy who, every day of his life, he'd been brought by friends from his home to this gate to beg. [01:00:33]
And he gets what he doesn't expect. He's expecting a little money. Instead, he gets healing. And he immediately, once he stands up on his feet, he's walking and leaping and praising God. Notice the connection. He got it in the name of Jesus, rise up and walk. So, he immediately understood the power, from whence this came. [01:01:00]
And notice what he didn't do. He didn't immediately run home and tell his friends and his family about, I think for most of us, that probably would be our natural instinct. I got to go tell all the friends who've been bringing me every day, tomorrow they can have the day off. He didn't immediately go call his mama. [01:01:30]
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