Reflecting God's Character in Our Daily Lives
Summary
In our walk with Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living that reflects the character of God in every aspect of our lives. This includes our interactions with government authorities, our speech, and our treatment of others. As believers, we are to be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. We must not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but rather bless others, for we are called to inherit a blessing.
We are reminded that we too were once foolish, disobedient, and enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. It was not our righteousness that saved us, but the mercy and kindness of God. This understanding should anchor our interactions, especially with our speech. We must remember that it was the kindness and mercy of God that drew us to Him, not harshness or judgment. Therefore, we are to extend the same kindness to others, even our enemies.
In our church community, we are encouraged to be honest and hold each other accountable. We must challenge one another to grow and reflect on areas where we need to improve. This is done in love, with the goal of restoration and growth in godliness.
We are also called to respect and submit to governing authorities, as they are established by God to maintain order and justice. However, this does not mean blind obedience to every law or rule. We must discern and obey what aligns with God's Word and His justice. When government acts unjustly, we must stand firm in God's truth, even if it leads to persecution.
Our speech must be reformed to reflect the gentleness and consideration we are to show all people. We must not slander, be contentious, or demean others. Instead, we are to uplift and encourage, speaking truth in love and allowing room for God to work in the hearts of others.
Now, let us consider the key takeaways from this message:
1. Our past does not define us; it is the mercy of God that transforms us. We must extend this same mercy to others, recognizing that we were once in need of grace ourselves. This humility allows us to interact with others in a way that reflects the heart of God. [01:27:37]
2. The institution of government is God's design for maintaining order and justice. As Christians, we must navigate the tension between respecting authority and standing against injustice. We do this by aligning our actions with God's Word and His definition of justice. [44:23]
3. Our speech has the power to build up or tear down. We must be vigilant in using our tongues to bless and not curse, to encourage and not discourage. This is a reflection of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us. [01:32:16]
4. Being a peacemaker does not mean avoiding conflict at all costs. It means actively working towards reconciliation and harmony, without compromising our walk with Christ. We seek peace where possible, but not at the expense of truth. [01:17:41]
5. Gentleness is not weakness; it is strength under control. In our rebukes and corrections, we must exhibit the humility and gentleness of Christ, trusting that God is the one who grants repentance and change. Our role is to be faithful messengers of His truth. [01:25:18]
May these insights guide us as we continue to grow in godliness and reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives.
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Titus 3:1-5 (ESV)
> Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
2. Romans 13:1-4 (ESV)
> Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
3. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
> Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
### Observation Questions
1. According to Titus 3:1-2, what specific behaviors are Christians instructed to exhibit towards rulers and authorities?
2. In Romans 13:1-4, what reasons does Paul give for submitting to governing authorities?
3. How does 1 Peter 3:8-9 describe the attitude and actions believers should have towards others, especially when wronged?
4. What does Titus 3:3-5 remind believers about their past and the basis of their salvation? [01:27:11]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Christians to be reminded of their past foolishness and disobedience as stated in Titus 3:3-5? How does this shape their interactions with others? [01:27:11]
2. How can believers discern when to obey or resist government authorities according to Romans 13:1-4 and the sermon? [42:02]
3. What does it mean to "speak evil of no one" and "avoid quarreling" in the context of Titus 3:2? How does this apply to modern-day interactions? [58:18]
4. How does the concept of being a peacemaker in 1 Peter 3:8-9 align with the sermon’s message about not avoiding conflict but seeking reconciliation? [01:17:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent interaction where you were tempted to repay evil for evil. How could you have responded differently to bless instead? [01:27:01]
2. In what ways can you show respect and submission to governing authorities while still standing firm in God's truth? Can you think of a specific situation where this might be challenging? [40:04]
3. How can you reform your speech to ensure it uplifts and encourages others rather than tearing them down? Identify a specific habit you need to change. [01:00:07]
4. Think of a time when you were overly critical of someone. How did it affect your relationship with that person? What steps can you take to be more gentle and considerate in your future interactions? [01:02:03]
5. How can you actively work towards reconciliation and harmony in your church community without compromising your walk with Christ? Share a specific example where you can apply this. [01:17:03]
6. Identify a person in your life who tests your patience. What practical steps can you take to show them gentleness and humility, reflecting the character of Christ? [01:21:04]
7. How can you hold yourself and others accountable in your church community to grow in godliness and reflect the heart of God? Share a specific area where you need accountability. [01:31:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Mercy Transforms and Defines Us
Mercy is not just a concept to be understood, but a transformative force that redefines our identity and interactions with others. Recognizing that our past does not define us, we embrace the mercy of God as the catalyst for our transformation. This same mercy that we received when we were foolish and disobedient is the mercy we are called to extend to others. It is a humility born from understanding our own need for grace that allows us to interact with others in a way that reflects the heart of God. We are reminded that it is not by our righteousness that we are saved, but by God's kindness and mercy. This understanding should shape our relationships, prompting us to treat others with the same compassion that God has shown us [01:27:37].
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." - Colossians 3:12-13
Reflection: How can you show God's mercy to someone who has wronged you, as a reflection of the mercy you've received?
Day 2: Navigating Authority with Discernment
The institution of government is part of God's design for maintaining order and justice in society. As Christians, we are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, recognizing their role in God's plan. However, this respect is not synonymous with blind obedience. We must discern and align our actions with God's Word and His definition of justice. When faced with laws or rules that conflict with God's truth, we must stand firm in our faith, even if it leads to persecution. This balance requires wisdom and a deep understanding of God's justice as revealed in Scripture [44:23].
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." - Romans 13:1-2
Reflection: In what ways can you respectfully challenge an unjust law or social norm while still honoring God's command to submit to authorities?
Day 3: The Power of Uplifting Speech
Our words have the power to either build up or tear down those around us. As bearers of the Holy Spirit's transformative work, we must be vigilant in using our speech to bless and encourage, rather than to curse or discourage. This is not merely about avoiding negative speech, but actively seeking to uplift others with our words. Speaking truth in love allows room for God to work in the hearts of others, and it reflects the gentleness and consideration we are to show all people. Our tongues are powerful tools that must be wielded with wisdom and care [01:32:16].
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29
Reflection: Can you identify a recent conversation where you could have used more uplifting speech, and how can you improve your communication to be more encouraging?
Day 4: Peacemaking with Conviction
Being a peacemaker does not mean avoiding conflict at all costs. It involves actively working towards reconciliation and harmony, while standing firm in our convictions. As followers of Christ, we seek peace where possible, but not at the expense of truth. This requires courage, wisdom, and a commitment to God's principles. We are called to be agents of peace in a broken world, reflecting Christ's reconciliatory work on the cross, and striving for unity without compromising our faith [01:17:41].
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" - Romans 12:18-19
Reflection: What is a situation in your life where you can actively work towards peace without compromising your Christian beliefs?
Day 5: Gentleness as Strength Under Control
Gentleness is often misunderstood as weakness, but in the Kingdom of God, it is a form of strength that is under control. When we correct or rebuke others, it should be done with the humility and gentleness of Christ. Trusting that God is the one who grants repentance and change, our role is to be faithful messengers of His truth. This approach to correction is not about asserting dominance but about guiding others towards growth and godliness with a spirit of meekness [01:25:18].
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." - Galatians 6:1
Reflection: How can you approach a necessary conversation with gentleness, while still being a faithful messenger of truth?
Quotes
"Reform speech causes us to use our tongues to uplift and not to tear down. We don't respond to the world the way they respond to us. Just because they're out of order, you stay in order." [01:00:45] (Download | Download cropped video)
"Godliness calls us to reform our speech, to interact with the world around us and within us with respect. Don't slander a single person. That's your friends and your enemies." [58:54] (Download | )
"Being hypercritical of people causes people to look at people in a different way. We don't want to speak of people spitefully. We don't want to speak of people in ways that cause them to look at them a different way before they even meet them." [01:13:36] (Download | )
"God has called his children to be people who are not peace disturbers but peacemakers. Being a peacemaker does not mean avoid conflict. It means actively working towards reconciliation and harmony, without compromising our walk with Christ." [01:16:29] (Download | )
"The anchor to Paul's call for reformed interactions with our tongues is to remember that your stuff once stunk, too. It wasn't somebody always hitting you over the head that drew you. It was the kindness and the mercy of God that saved you." [01:27:37] (Download | )
"Paul says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. If all y'all want to just keep doing this the whole time, God is sitting back like when one of y'all are humble enough to step away from the situation, it'll create room for me to work." [01:25:18] (Download | )
"Paul says we must be subject, which according to some of our leading lexicons means to be submitted in recognition to an ordained structure or order structure. And he says, because it's been established by God." [42:12] (Download | )
"Paul says, watch our tongues because we are supposed to be a demonstration of the kindness and gentleness of God so that when people interact with us, even when they are out of line, the way we deal with them will cause them to be drawn to the love of God." [01:29:46] (Download | )
"Paul says don't ever do these things. But always do these things. And as much as it's different than the popular message of the world and culture, where the world says, I treat you how you treat me. You want respect? Give respect. But the message of the Bible doesn't say that." [01:00:45] (Download | Download cropped video)
"Paul is not calling us to some weird pacifism. He's calling us to God-like characteristics and that we do not have to respond to every negative thing that comes out of somebody's mouth about us. We don't have to always defend ourselves." [01:15:02] (Download | )
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