Restoring God's Image Through Love and Discipleship
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by reflecting on the beauty of creation and the changing seasons, which led me to contemplate the sovereignty and preeminence of Christ as described in Colossians. I emphasized that all things were created through Him and for Him, and that He sustains all things, including the very breath we take. This profound truth set the stage for a deeper exploration of discipleship, human identity, and the formation of a person in Christ.
I delved into the concept of each person being a perfect idea, or Logoi, in the mind of God, existing before taking on physical form. This idea is supported by scriptures like Ephesians and Jeremiah, which speak of God knowing us before we were formed. I discussed the visible and invisible aspects of reality and how they bear witness to each other, allowing us to perceive and understand the world and our place in it.
I then addressed the challenge of discipleship in the context of our fallen world, where sin and the fall have marred the perfect image of God in us. Discipleship, I argued, is about uncovering that image, a process that can be painful but ultimately leads to our restoration to God's original design for us in the resurrection.
I spoke about the importance of love as the primary focus of discipleship, not just knowledge or gifts. I highlighted the challenge the church faces in being known for love in a world that often sees us differently. I recounted the example of the early church, which was known for its radical love and care for the poor, a witness that even non-believers found compelling.
I also touched on the importance of unity within the church, reflecting on the nature of God as a unity and how divisions, whether in the church or the world, are contrary to God's nature. I emphasized that our unity should be grounded in love, as Jesus prayed for in John 17 and commanded in John 13.
I shared my personal struggles with loving enemies and the unlovely, confessing that I need help to love as Jesus loves. I reflected on the Psalms and the strong language used by David, which captures the emotional richness of his relationship with God and the reality of spiritual warfare.
I discussed the importance of looking beyond the temporal to the eternal, invisible things, and how we must ground our understanding of love in reality. I spoke about the heart knowing that goes beyond intellectual knowledge and the need for love to be expressed tangibly.
I concluded by emphasizing the need for the church to mature in love, as our corporate witness depends on it. I called for a return to the preeminence of love, as without it, all our knowledge and deeds are meaningless. I ended with the ancient priestly blessing, praying for God's love to saturate us and empower us to live out the reality of love in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The essence of our identity is rooted in the eternal mind of God, where we exist as perfect ideas before our physical being. This understanding challenges us to live into the fullness of who we were designed to be, aligning our lives with the divine Logos, Jesus Christ, who is the operating principle of the cosmos. ([02:41])
2. The process of discipleship involves the painful but necessary uncovering of God's image within us, which has been deformed by sin. This journey requires us to confront the ways we have deviated from God's original design and to embrace the refining fire that restores us to our intended glory. ([05:05])
3. Love must be the primary focus of our discipleship, transcending knowledge, gifts, and actions. The church's witness to the world hinges on our ability to love as Christ loves, which is a love that is kind, gentle, and merciful, even to the ungrateful and the evil. ([25:04])
4. The unity of the church is a reflection of the unity of God, and our love for one another is the true measure of our discipleship. As we face the challenges of a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital communication, our calling is to be a loving presence, embodying the tangible expression of God's love. ([27:59])
5. Our maturity in love is crucial for the world to see Jesus in us. We must strive for peace and holiness, recognizing that our visible actions and unity bear witness to the invisible God. As we engage in spiritual warfare, we must remember that we are not fighting flesh and blood but powers and principalities that seek to deform God's image in us. ([20:17])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:16-20
2. John 13:34-35
3. Ephesians 4:15-16
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:16-20, what role does Jesus play in creation and sustaining the universe?
2. In John 13:34-35, what new commandment does Jesus give to His disciples, and how will people recognize His disciples?
3. How does Ephesians 4:15-16 describe the process of growing and maturing in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that all things were created through Jesus and for Him, and how does this understanding affect our view of the world? [01:42]
2. How does the concept of being a "perfect idea" or Logoi in the mind of God before our physical existence challenge our understanding of human identity? [02:41]
3. Why is love considered the primary focus of discipleship, and how does this align with Jesus' command in John 13:34-35? [10:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that you are a "perfect idea" in the mind of God. How does this perspective influence the way you view yourself and others? [02:41]
2. Discipleship involves uncovering God's image within us, which can be a painful process. Can you identify a recent experience where you felt this refining process? How did it impact your faith? [05:05]
3. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. Think of a specific person in your life who is difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to show them Christ-like love? [10:38]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity within the church. Are there any divisions or conflicts in your church community that you can help to heal? How can you promote unity and love in your interactions? [08:24]
5. The pastor shared his struggles with loving enemies and the unlovely. Reflect on a time when you found it hard to love someone. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply it to future interactions? [21:43]
6. The sermon highlighted the need to look beyond the temporal to the eternal. What are some practical ways you can focus more on eternal, invisible things in your daily life? [06:22]
7. How can you contribute to the church's corporate witness of love in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital communication? What specific actions can you take to be a loving presence in your community? [27:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divine Blueprint
Our identity is not a random occurrence but a divine conception, intricately woven in the mind of God. Before the world knew us, before we took our first breath, we were already a perfect idea in the eternal consciousness of God. This understanding invites us to consider our lives as more than mere existence; it calls us to live into the fullness of who we were designed to be. Aligning our lives with Jesus Christ, the divine Logos, means recognizing that we are part of a grander narrative, one that has been authored by the Creator of the universe. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to see ourselves as characters in this divine story, playing our part in the unfolding drama of redemption and restoration.
The journey of self-discovery is not about creating an identity but uncovering the one that has always been there, hidden beneath the layers of life's experiences and our own choices. It is a process of peeling back the veils that have obscured our true selves, revealing the masterpiece that God envisioned when He thought of us. This is the essence of discipleship—becoming who we were always meant to be, reflecting the image of Christ to the world around us. [02:41]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." - Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a perfect idea in God's mind change the way you view yourself and your purpose in life?
Day 2: The Refiner's Fire of Discipleship
Discipleship is not a path for the faint of heart; it is a journey marked by transformation and often, pain. The image of God within us, though marred by sin, is not beyond repair. The process of discipleship involves confronting the ways we have deviated from God's original design for us. It is akin to the work of a refiner's fire, which burns away impurities to reveal the precious metal beneath. This journey is not punitive but redemptive, aiming to restore us to our intended glory, the glory that reflects the divine.
As we walk this path, we must be willing to embrace the discomfort that comes with growth. The uncovering of God's image within us may require us to let go of long-held beliefs, behaviors, and even relationships that do not align with our true identity. It is a process that demands honesty, vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. But the reward is great: a life that shines with the brilliance of God's original intent, a beacon of hope and beauty in a world that desperately needs it. [05:05]
"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." - Job 23:10 (ESV)
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you feel the refining fire of discipleship, and how can you surrender to this process to become more like Christ?
Day 3: The Primacy of Love in Discipleship
In a world that often equates value with knowledge, power, or talent, the call to love stands out as a radical departure from the norm. Love is the primary focus of discipleship, transcending all other attributes. It is not a passive, sentimental feeling but an active force that seeks the good of others, even at great personal cost. This kind of love—kind, gentle, and merciful—is the hallmark of Christ's followers. It is the kind of love that can transform hearts and minds, breaking down barriers and building bridges where divisions once existed.
The church's witness to the world hinges on this ability to love as Christ loves. It is a love that is visible in acts of kindness, heard in words of encouragement, and felt in the embrace of acceptance. This love is not selective; it extends to the ungrateful and the evil, to friends and enemies alike. It is a love that reflects the heart of the Father, who makes His sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [25:04]
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." - John 13:34 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate Christ's love to someone who may be difficult to love in your life today?
Day 4: Unity Reflecting Divine Oneness
The unity of the church is a profound testament to the unity of God Himself. As believers, we are called to mirror the oneness of the Trinity, a unity that is not uniformity but a harmonious diversity. This unity is grounded in love and is essential for the church to effectively bear witness to the divine nature. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital communication, the church's calling to be a loving presence is more critical than ever. Our unity is not just a theological concept but a tangible expression of God's love, a love that binds us together and empowers us to serve the world.
Divisions, whether within the church or in the broader society, are contrary to the nature of God. As members of one body, we are called to work towards reconciliation, to seek understanding, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. Our love for one another is the true measure of our discipleship, and it is through this love that the world will know we are Christ's disciples. [27:59]
"I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." - John 17:23 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to promote unity and love within your community or church?
Day 5: Visible Actions as a Witness to the Invisible
Our maturity in love is not just a personal achievement; it is a crucial element for the world to see Jesus in us. The visible actions of believers—their love, peace, and holiness—serve as a witness to the invisible God. As we engage in spiritual warfare, we must remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities that seek to deform God's image in us. Our fight is fought with the weapons of love, truth, and righteousness, and our victory is found in the likeness of Christ being formed in us.
The call to maturity in love is a call to live out the reality of the gospel in a visible and tangible way. It is about embodying the peace of Christ in a world of conflict, extending grace in a culture of judgment, and living in holiness amidst a society that often celebrates the opposite. As we strive for peace and holiness, we bear witness to the invisible God, inviting others to discover the love that has transformed our lives. [20:17]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:35 (ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you visibly demonstrate the love of Christ in your daily interactions, serving as a witness to God's transforming power?
Quotes
Every single one of you, the early desert fathers would call you a perfect idea or a Logoi. Jesus is the Logos. He is the word, the idea, the operating principle of the cosmos. But you follow a pattern very similar to Jesus. And you are a Logoi, a perfect idea. So that in the mind of God, you existed before you actually took on your being. [02:41]
Discipleship is actually about uncovering that. And to be honest, my experience of that is it's quite painful. Because it's a stripping, it's a fire. It doesn't matter. There's so many analogies that the early church would use. But the idea then is that we would become something of this perfect idea, which will actually come true in the resurrection. [05:05]
This kind of love. That you kind, gentle. Not rude. Not arrogant. When someone is opposing you. In enemy mode against you. Jesus is saying, actually, my love shape looks like this still. Doesn't really change. But I catch my own self-justification for going. Yeah, but God, you know what that person is like. They're painful. Nope. Be merciful. [23:38]
Our maturity is so important because this is about love and maturity going together. And that's our corporate witness to the world. So if we don't increase our maturity and ability to love, I'm concerned the world won't see Jesus. And can I read you the scripture that actually kind of points to that? Strive for peace with everyone. And for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [20:17]
The church must specialize in this kind of love because this is what, and here's what Jesus, the resurrected Jesus appearing to John on Patmos, 90 AD. Something like that. Some years after says this to John, I want you to write to a bunch of churches and tell them some things. And this is what Jesus says to the Ephesian church. I know you're enduring patiently and bearing up for my namesake and you've not grown weary. But I have this against you. You have abandoned the love that you had at first. [18:26]
It has to have a tangible, visible expression. Because it is an invisible reality. This love of God chosen to be made visible through his people. And that's our calling. That is what it is to be God's people as disciples today, to become specialists. And I could... I won't for time, but I could go on and say just how important I think that's going to be as we transition more and more into AI. [27:59]
But what about when you're not easy to love? What about the unlovely? What about your enemies? And that's where I've been at the moment. Because I'm in some pretty difficult situations. Actually quite a few. And that's not normal for my life. So I feel like this is my maturing. To say, because I just spent last year going through the Psalms very slowly. And David's language in the Psalms is super strong. [21:43]
This is how you know it, because that word is used so much in the world, right? And how do you define it? Well, this is how you know it. You know, love, Jesus laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. But if anyone sees anyone in need and they have the world's good yet closes their heart, how does God's love abide in them? [12:43]
Paul's trying to say, hey, guys, there's something beyond just knowing. That's why John also says, hey, don't just love in word, but deed and in truth. Like you're going to have to ground this. It's going to look like something. And that's what I love that Paul actually to the Corinthians says that. What does this love look like? Well, it's patient. It's kind. It doesn't envy. It doesn't boast. It's not arrogant. [16:13]
I just want to say this love is really super abundant. It's an endless source. The Holy Spirit pours love into your heart and you're able to then pour out. So it's, it's got this extravagance. I hear that as extravagant and generous. And again, as I'm thinking about Jesus in the gospels, I'm reading in the woman that comes and pours this whole year's worth of perfume on Jesus feet wipes, you know, her affection for Jesus is everything. [13:27]
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