Reflecting Christ's Likeness Amidst Life's Turbulence
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the theme of "Reflecting Christ's Likeness in Turbulent Times." We began by welcoming new members into our church family, emphasizing the importance of community and the biblical truth that God places the lonely in families. We prayed for those seeking healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and reminded ourselves that Jesus is enough for us, no matter what we face.
We then transitioned into the main message, focusing on how we can reflect Christ's likeness during difficult times. We acknowledged that the world is going through turbulent times, and as believers, we are called to show Christ to the world. The phrase "They don't know what we know" served as a reminder that it is our responsibility to show and tell the world about Jesus.
We explored four key areas where we can reflect Christ's likeness:
1. Embracing Love and Forgiveness: We are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This is a radical departure from the world's way of responding to hatred and persecution. The story of Corrie ten Boom forgiving a Nazi guard exemplifies this Christ-like love and forgiveness.
2. Maintaining Hope and Patience: In times of tribulation, we are to rejoice in hope, be patient, and remain constant in prayer. The story of Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsy in a concentration camp highlighted the importance of maintaining hope and patience, even in the most dire circumstances.
3. Guarding Our Hearts with Peace: We are encouraged to bring our anxieties to God in prayer, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. The hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by Horatio Spafford after losing his daughters, serves as a powerful example of finding peace in Christ amidst life's storms.
4. Following Christ's Example in Suffering: Suffering is a part of the Christian walk, and we are called to follow Christ's example by entrusting ourselves to God during these times. Suffering can produce Christ-likeness in us, drawing us closer to Him.
We concluded by reflecting on these points and praying for God's help to live them out. We were reminded that the world doesn't know what we know or who we know, and it is our mission to show and tell them about Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embracing Love and Forgiveness: Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This radical love and forgiveness are not natural responses but are essential for reflecting Christ's likeness. The story of Corrie ten Boom forgiving a Nazi guard exemplifies this Christ-like love and forgiveness. [26:25]
2. Maintaining Hope and Patience: In times of tribulation, we are called to rejoice in hope, be patient, and remain constant in prayer. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast trust in God's promises. The story of Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsy in a concentration camp highlights the importance of maintaining hope and patience, even in the most dire circumstances. [49:37]
3. Guarding Our Hearts with Peace: When anxiety arises, we are encouraged to bring our concerns to God in prayer, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. This peace surpasses all understanding and is a hallmark of Christ-likeness. The hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by Horatio Spafford after losing his daughters, serves as a powerful example of finding peace in Christ amidst life's storms. [01:14:23]
4. Following Christ's Example in Suffering: Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian walk, and we are called to follow Christ's example by entrusting ourselves to God during these times. Suffering can produce Christ-likeness in us, drawing us closer to Him. Jesus' response to suffering was to entrust Himself to God rather than retaliating, and we are called to do the same. [01:22:54]
5. Reflecting Christ in Turbulent Times: The world is going through turbulent times, and as believers, we are called to show Christ to the world. The phrase "They don't know what we know" serves as a reminder that it is our responsibility to show and tell the world about Jesus. This involves living out Christ's teachings in our daily lives and being a light in the darkness. [01:39:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:47] - Prayer for New Members
[26:25] - Embracing Love and Forgiveness
[45:38] - Jesus is Enough
[47:23] - Prayer for Healing
[48:24] - Worship and Thanksgiving
[49:37] - Reflecting Christ's Likeness in Turbulent Times
[50:45] - Understanding Turbulence
[51:57] - God's Plan in Turbulent Times
[52:46] - Upcoming Events and Series
[53:51] - Prayer for the Message
[54:44] - They Don't Know What We Know
[55:38] - Show and Tell
[57:34] - Embracing Love and Forgiveness (Continued)
[58:32] - Love Your Enemies
[01:00:43] - Maintaining Hope and Patience
[01:05:59] - Rejoice in Hope
[01:14:23] - Guarding Our Hearts with Peace
[01:18:17] - It Is Well With My Soul
[01:22:54] - Following Christ's Example in Suffering
[01:39:09] - Reflecting Christ in Turbulent Times
[01:39:53] - Blessing and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:43-45: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
2. Romans 12:12: "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
3. Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 5:43-45, what does Jesus command us to do regarding our enemies? How does this differ from the common saying of the time?
2. In Romans 12:12, what three actions are believers encouraged to take during times of tribulation?
3. Philippians 4:6-7 speaks about dealing with anxiety. What are the steps mentioned in these verses to achieve peace?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, what story was shared to illustrate the concept of embracing love and forgiveness? ([01:02:42])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize loving and praying for our enemies in Matthew 5:43-45? How does this reflect Christ's likeness?
2. How can rejoicing in hope and being patient in tribulation, as mentioned in Romans 12:12, transform a believer's response to difficult times? ([01:05:59])
3. What does it mean for the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds, as described in Philippians 4:6-7? How does this peace surpass all understanding? ([01:14:23])
4. In the sermon, how did Corrie ten Boom's story exemplify the challenge and power of forgiveness? What impact did this have on her and the person she forgave? ([01:03:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Think of a person who has wronged you. How can you begin to pray for them and show them love, following Jesus' command in Matthew 5:43-45? ([01:00:43])
2. Reflect on a recent difficult situation you faced. How did you respond? How can you apply Romans 12:12 to similar situations in the future to maintain hope and patience? ([01:06:53])
3. When you feel anxious, what practical steps can you take to bring your concerns to God in prayer and experience His peace, as described in Philippians 4:6-7? ([01:15:22])
4. Corrie ten Boom found strength to forgive through prayer. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to move towards forgiveness? ([01:03:34])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace in your daily life, especially when facing stressful situations? What specific actions can you take to guard your heart and mind with God's peace? ([01:19:55])
6. Reflect on a time of suffering in your life. How did you see God working in and through that situation? How can you use that experience to encourage others who are currently suffering? ([01:22:54])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of showing and telling the world about Jesus. Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Christ. How can you show and tell them about Jesus this week? ([56:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Love and Forgiveness
Reflecting Christ's likeness means loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. This kind of love and forgiveness is not a natural response but a divine one, requiring us to go beyond our human inclinations. The story of Corrie ten Boom forgiving a Nazi guard exemplifies this Christ-like love and forgiveness. Corrie, who suffered immensely during the Holocaust, chose to forgive one of her tormentors, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love. This act of forgiveness is a powerful testimony to the world of what it means to follow Jesus. [26:25]
Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has wronged you. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 2: Rejoicing in Hope and Patience
In times of tribulation, believers are called to rejoice in hope, be patient, and remain constant in prayer. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast trust in God's promises. The story of Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsy in a concentration camp highlights the importance of maintaining hope and patience, even in the most dire circumstances. Despite their suffering, they held onto the hope that God was with them and had a plan for their lives. This kind of hope and patience is a powerful witness to the world of the strength and resilience that comes from faith in Christ. [49:37]
Romans 12:12 (ESV): "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to be patient? How can you actively choose to rejoice in hope and remain constant in prayer in this situation?
Day 3: Peace that Surpasses Understanding
When anxiety arises, believers are encouraged to bring their concerns to God in prayer, allowing His peace to guard their hearts and minds. This peace surpasses all understanding and is a hallmark of Christ-likeness. The hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by Horatio Spafford after losing his daughters, serves as a powerful example of finding peace in Christ amidst life's storms. Spafford's ability to find peace in the midst of unimaginable loss is a testament to the power of God's peace that transcends human understanding. [01:14:23]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What anxieties are you currently facing? Can you take a moment to bring these concerns to God in prayer and ask for His peace to guard your heart and mind?
Day 4: Entrusting Ourselves to God in Suffering
Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian walk, and believers are called to follow Christ's example by entrusting themselves to God during these times. Suffering can produce Christ-likeness in us, drawing us closer to Him. Jesus' response to suffering was to entrust Himself to God rather than retaliating, and believers are called to do the same. This act of entrusting ourselves to God in the midst of suffering is a powerful witness to the world of our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. [01:22:54]
1 Peter 2:23 (ESV): "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: Think of a recent or ongoing suffering in your life. How can you follow Christ's example by entrusting yourself to God in this situation?
Day 5: Being a Light in Turbulent Times
The world is going through turbulent times, and as believers, we are called to show Christ to the world. The phrase "They don't know what we know" serves as a reminder that it is our responsibility to show and tell the world about Jesus. This involves living out Christ's teachings in our daily lives and being a light in the darkness. By reflecting Christ's likeness in our actions, words, and attitudes, we can be a powerful testimony to the world of the hope and love found in Jesus. [01:39:09]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you be a light in your community this week? How can you show and tell others about Jesus through your actions and words?
Quotes
1. "And when we look around, and we look at all of our things, all of our earthly stuff around us, when all of those things get taken away from us, Jesus is the constant. He's the one that stays. And He's the one that we need. Then it says that when we seek His kingdom first, He will add all these other things onto us. But seek first Him and His kingdom, His rule and His reign for our lives." [45:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is a world out there, that don't know what you and I know. And that it is our responsibility to show them and to tell them. You know, our children, when they go to school, they've got this thing what they call show and tell. So they take something to school. It could be a pet or it could be, you know, a toy or it could be anything. And they call it show and tell." [56:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In these turbulent times, it's a natural instinct to our sinful nature to want to protect ourselves, to fight back, and to harbor bitterness in our hearts. But it's the absolute opposite of the very thing that Jesus wants us to do. And Jesus says that when we pray for our enemies, when we bless them, and when we love them, then we will be sons or daughters of our Father, who are in heaven." [01:01:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation. Be constant in prayer. What a challenge is that not? Rejoice in hope. Now, sometimes that's fairly easy. But to be patient in tribulation. To be patient. To be patient when things are going wrong, when things aren't going the way I want it to go. Man, that's hard. It's hard sometimes to have patience and wait for the Lord to answer when we pray through difficult times and it feels like it's not happening." [01:06:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Whenever anxiety arises in our heart, take it as an invitation to pray. I want to say that again. Whenever anxiety rises in our heart, when we feel a sense of hopelessness, when we feel a sense of loss of control, let that be an invitation to pray. Let that be an invitation for us to get onto our knees and pray and say, Father, will you help me in this place, because I need your peace, because it is not well with my soul, but I want to get to that place where I can say with confidence in my heart that it is well with my soul, regardless of what my circumstances look like." [01:19:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Christlikeness is not when everything is going right for us, church, but it's in the face of adversity and challenges. That is when true Christlikeness surfaces. That's when we show the world who this Christ is. We show the hope that we have in believing in Him and patience, working in our life a hope, knowing that He will work all things together for our good." [01:12:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus said, in this world, we will have trouble. There will be turbulent times. But here's the thing, Jesus modeled for us, in His suffering, He will carry us through. That in suffering, we can turn to Him and He will show us. 1 Peter 2 verse 21 to 23 says this, For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example. Here's the thing, Christ has left us an example so that you might follow in His steps." [01:21:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I have very seldom heard people say that, man, I have grown so close to Jesus during this time where everything has just gone well. It doesn't mean we don't grow close to Jesus. Of course we do. But there's a celebration in those times where everything seems to be going well and everything is fantastic and I'm in a great relationship with Him and my relationships around me are well. My kids are going well and we've got health and things are just going well. Man, it's great." [01:25:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Father, help us this morning to take steps to help cultivate a deeper sense of peace in our hearts especially when situations become stressful and anxiety starts setting in and we feel like we're losing control out of what life is and things are spinning out of control. Father, help us to bring our anxieties to you and prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in our hearts. Thank you for working that peace in our heart that will guard our hearts and our minds that goes beyond our understanding beyond what people can understand so that we can show Christ's likeness in this difficult times." [01:31:36] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Father, I pray this morning that we will remember that there is a world out there that don't know what we know and don't know who we know. Father, will you help us to have patience treat them with kindness and with love as we share about you, as we show and tell. Show who you are and tell us who you are and tell them who this amazing God is that we serve. Father, help us to endure all that that comes our way in order to bring glory and honor to your name." [01:39:53] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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