Reflecting on Faith: Embracing Growth for the New Year
Summary
As we gather on this final Sunday of 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the new one. Just as Spotify Wrapped gives us a snapshot of our musical year, imagine if we had a "Faithify Wrapped" that could reveal the spiritual rhythms of our lives. What would it show about our faith journey this year? Have we been diligent in prayer, active in sharing our faith, or perhaps more passive in our spiritual growth?
In Philippians 2, Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This isn't about earning or maintaining salvation through works, but about living out the salvation we've already received. It's about demonstrating our faith through our actions, much like a student who continues to work hard even after securing an A grade. This requires a sustained effort, a commitment to living a life that reflects the grace we've been given.
We are reminded of the humility and obedience of Christ, who, despite being divine, took on human form and was obedient to the point of death. This example challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and pursue spiritual growth, even when it's difficult. Whether it's reading the Bible more, engaging in prayer, or sharing our faith, we are called to live out our salvation actively.
Importantly, we are not alone in this journey. Philippians 2:13 reassures us that it is God who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to fulfill His purposes. As we approach the new year, let's consider what God might be calling us to do. Perhaps it's starting a prayer journal, joining a small group, or finding new ways to serve. Whatever it is, let's commit to growing closer to God and living out our faith with renewed vigor.
Key Takeaways:
- Reflecting on our spiritual journey is crucial. Just as we review our music habits with Spotify Wrapped, we should consider what our "Faithify Wrapped" might reveal about our spiritual practices and growth over the past year. This reflection can guide us in setting spiritual goals for the future. [13:51]
- Working out our salvation involves living out the faith we have received, not earning it. It's about demonstrating our salvation through our actions, much like a student who continues to work hard even after securing an A grade. This requires a sustained effort and commitment to living a life that reflects the grace we've been given. [16:57]
- Christ's humility and obedience serve as our example. Despite being divine, He took on human form and was obedient to the point of death. This challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and pursue spiritual growth, even when it's difficult. [20:31]
- We are not alone in our spiritual journey. Philippians 2:13 reassures us that it is God who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to fulfill His purposes. This divine partnership empowers us to live out our faith actively. [24:42]
- As we approach the new year, let's consider what God might be calling us to do. Whether it's starting a prayer journal, joining a small group, or finding new ways to serve, let's commit to growing closer to God and living out our faith with renewed vigor. [26:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Baptism Announcement
- [01:30] - Reflecting on the Year
- [03:00] - Faithify Wrapped Concept
- [05:00] - Evaluating Our Spiritual Life
- [07:30] - Philippians 2:12-13 Introduction
- [09:00] - Working Out Salvation
- [11:00] - Christ's Example of Humility
- [13:00] - Sustained Effort in Faith
- [15:00] - God's Role in Our Growth
- [17:00] - Personal Spiritual Challenges
- [19:00] - Embracing New Spiritual Practices
- [21:00] - Preparing for the New Year
- [23:00] - Closing Prayer
- [25:00] - Farewell and Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:12-13
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12? How does this relate to the example of Christ's humility and obedience? [16:57]
2. According to the sermon, what are some spiritual practices that might appear in a "Faithify Wrapped" for a Christian? [13:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of God in our spiritual growth, as mentioned in Philippians 2:13? [24:42]
4. What example from the pastor's personal life illustrates the challenge of stepping out of one's comfort zone for spiritual growth? [20:31]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "working out your salvation" challenge the idea of being passive in one's faith journey? What does this mean for a believer's daily life? [16:57]
2. In what ways does Christ's example of humility and obedience serve as a model for believers today? How might this influence one's approach to spiritual growth? [20:31]
3. How does understanding that "it is God who works in you" change the way a believer might approach their spiritual goals and challenges? [24:42]
4. What might be the significance of reflecting on one's spiritual journey at the end of the year, as suggested by the "Faithify Wrapped" concept? [13:51]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own "Faithify Wrapped" for the past year. What spiritual practices have you been consistent with, and where do you see room for growth? [13:51]
2. Consider a specific area of your spiritual life where you feel stagnant. What steps can you take to actively "work out your salvation" in this area? [16:57]
3. How can you incorporate the example of Christ's humility and obedience into your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to follow His example. [20:31]
4. What is one spiritual goal you want to set for the upcoming year? How can you rely on God's strength to achieve it, as mentioned in Philippians 2:13? [24:42]
5. Think about a spiritual practice you have never tried before, such as starting a prayer journal or joining a small group. What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome this barrier? [26:23]
6. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not just a New Year's resolution that fades away, but a sustained effort throughout the year? [24:42]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your faith journey. How can you share your experiences with them in a meaningful way this week? [13:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting on Our Spiritual Journey
Reflecting on our spiritual journey is crucial for growth and understanding. Just as Spotify Wrapped provides a summary of our musical preferences, envisioning a "Faithify Wrapped" can help us evaluate our spiritual practices over the past year. This reflection is not merely an exercise in nostalgia but a vital tool for setting spiritual goals for the future. By examining our habits in prayer, scripture reading, and sharing our faith, we can identify areas of strength and those needing improvement. This self-assessment encourages us to be intentional about our spiritual growth, ensuring that we are not passive but actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God. [13:51]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What would your "Faithify Wrapped" reveal about your spiritual habits this past year? Identify one area where you can set a specific goal for growth in the coming year.
Day 2: Living Out Our Salvation
Working out our salvation involves living out the faith we have received, not earning it. This concept, as explained in Philippians 2, emphasizes that our actions should reflect the salvation we have already been given. Like a student who continues to strive for excellence even after achieving an A grade, we are called to demonstrate our faith through sustained effort and commitment. This means actively engaging in practices that reflect God's grace in our lives, such as serving others, practicing humility, and seeking justice. Our salvation is a gift, and our response should be a life that honors that gift through our daily actions. [16:57]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate your faith through actions this week? Consider one practical step you can take to live out your salvation more fully.
Day 3: Emulating Christ's Humility and Obedience
Christ's humility and obedience serve as our example. Despite His divine nature, He took on human form and was obedient to the point of death. This profound act of humility challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and pursue spiritual growth, even when it is difficult. Emulating Christ means embracing humility in our interactions, being willing to serve others selflessly, and obeying God's call even when it requires sacrifice. By following Christ's example, we can grow in our faith and become more like Him, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. [20:31]
"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." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice humility and obedience like Christ? How can you step out of your comfort zone to serve others this week?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Work Within Us
We are not alone in our spiritual journey. Philippians 2:13 reassures us that it is God who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to fulfill His purposes. This divine partnership empowers us to live out our faith actively, knowing that God is at work within us. Trusting in God's work means relying on His strength rather than our own, seeking His guidance in our decisions, and being open to His leading in our lives. As we trust in God's work within us, we can approach our spiritual journey with confidence, knowing that He is shaping us according to His will. [24:42]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on God's strength and guidance in your daily life? Identify one area where you need to trust God more fully.
Day 5: Embracing New Spiritual Practices
As we approach the new year, let's consider what God might be calling us to do. Whether it's starting a prayer journal, joining a small group, or finding new ways to serve, we are encouraged to commit to growing closer to God and living out our faith with renewed vigor. Embracing new spiritual practices can invigorate our faith journey, providing fresh opportunities for growth and connection with God. By being open to new experiences and willing to step out in faith, we can deepen our relationship with God and discover new ways to live out our calling as His followers. [26:23]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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." (Hebrews 10:23-25, ESV)
Reflection: What new spiritual practice can you commit to this year to grow closer to God? Consider how you can incorporate this practice into your daily routine.
Quotes
"rapt or something that kind of gave us a deeper look at what we did this past year faith -wise, right? How we lived out our faith this past year. Look back at kind of how we lived as a Christian, right? What do you think would be on there for you, right? Well, I attended church maybe a great deal. Maybe I gave an offering. Maybe I read my Bible a lot. Maybe I shared the gospel a lot here and it says on here, or maybe it looks like I was in a small group. I prayed a lot, right? Do you think you would be surprised at the results of your faith if I rapped, right?" [00:14:48] (32 seconds)
"So Paul starts out by saying, therefore, my dear friends, and anytime you see the word therefore in the Bible, you always have to look back and say, well, what is the therefore, therefore, right? And so if you look back in, and we don't have it on here, but if you look back in chapter 2, you'll see that earlier in verses 1 through 11, Paul is talking about the humility and obedience that Christ showed by coming to earth, taking human form, and being obedient to the point of death on the cross, right? And so he gives this example of Christ's humility, Christ's obedience, and so he says, based on that, based on all this example that Christ has set, I want you now to continually work out your salvation with fear and trembling, okay?" [00:17:11] (42 seconds)
"these christian things in order to hold on to your salvation what paul is talking about here when he says continually living out your salvation is continually living out the salvation that you have already received to continue living in obedience continue living in humility in the same way christ did to demonstrate the salvation you have already received right it would be like if you went to school and you got an a um first date she says can you have an a and your a is secure no matter what you do you're going to have that a right how many of you guys would kind of relax and like okay well if i have that a i don't need to do all my homework i don't need to study that hard i don't want to read everything i'm like because i have my a right i mean i think that's probably 99 of us would do that i know i would right if i like if i have no chance of losing this a then i don't need to continue to put my best effort into that right working out your salvation means now that you have this a you you continue to do the work of an A student. You demonstrate that you are an A student, right? You continue to perform and study and work hard and put in all the effort that you would that is worthy of that A. Does that make sense, right?" [00:18:07] (71 seconds)
"Paul is saying, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you. You're not having to do this Christian life on your own, right? He says, God is working in you. God is empowering you to work out your salvation. God is working in you, enabling you to do the things he's calling you to do, right?" [00:25:43] (19 seconds)
"And I as I thought about it after we got back, I was like, well, I shouldn't just do this for the missions. I should be doing this all the time. I should be doing this every day, right? And I saw how this would be good for me, right? This is going to help me focus in my prayer life. It's going to help me keep my mind from wandering when I'm praying." [00:27:16] (18 seconds)
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